Nursing homes are starting to send out patients that require increased care in order to simplify care needs at their facilities. Rather than increase staffing to meet the demands of the patients, they are sending them to the hospital. Long-term ombudsmen are reporting the problem increasingly since 2000.
The reasons for discharging the patients to the hospital can range from lower reimbursement rate potential from Medicaid or Medicare, difficult in caring for the patient, to increased complaints from family members regarding treatment. Regardless, it can be a convenience issue in favor of the nursing home, rather than the patient. For more, read the story.
