For Profit v. Non Profit Nursing Homes - does it matter?

Lauren Ellerman

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I was at a social function last week when a friend asked "How many cases do you have against non profit nursing homes?" after a moment of reflection, I realized we don't have a single case against a non profit nursing home. Now, does that really say anything about the level of care at non-profit nursing homes, or is neglect more frequent at for profit facilities?

I don't know the answer to that question... but hopefully Congress will try to figure it out. The New York Times today printed an update on the Congressional efforts to investigate investor owned nursing homes and frequency of abuse.

Even without the congressional investigation, I cannot understand how the care of your residents is maintained as a priority, when investors and shareholders demand profit. Choice: Hire more staff, or make more for shareholders? Choice: Pay more than $2.25 a day for resident meals, or increase profits this quater? Choice: provide additional services for Ms. Smith, or only provide what Medicare will reimburse you for?

Sad but true - when making money wins out over patient care, residents and their families suffer.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Nursing Home and Elder Abuse.