He has a life estate moved to a nursing home can the owner of the home go check it?

Yes. If the life estate holder has been moved to a nursing home and you think it's a permanent move then you can take charge of the property in order to prevent loss or damage. You are the fee owner. If it's a temporary move you can still take charge of the property during the nursing home stay. The property can't be mortgaged or sold as long as the life estate holder is living without their consent.