Still, abuse and neglect of the elderly in institutions occur. Most nursing homes are for-profit businesses, and the majority of these accept Medicare and Medicaid residents. If government reimbursement rates are barely profitable, corners get cut.
Administration turns over.
Staffing levels may be insufficient to meet the needs of residents. As a result, quality of care suffers. And, observers say, the situation is likely to worsen starting next year, when Medicare begins reimbursing nursing homes under the Prospective Payment System. Some vulnerable adults may not need to be institutionalized if these services are available. Funding for these services in Tennessee is anticipated to be a top priority when the General Assembly convenes in January.