Change in mental status

I work in a hosptal setting and have seen a rise in LTC residents being admitted for "change in mental status". When we get these residents, they present with no fever or any other symptoms. Their chart from the LTC facility states "dimentia" or "Alzheimers" being diagnosed long before there admission with us.

Once the patient is admitted, we have to get a sitter to stay in the room with them so they do not fall or injure themselves or others. They usually stay long enough for the LTC facility to give up their room or refuse to take them back before they are "evaluated" by a mental health person. So then they stay for weeks on end awaiting placement somewhere else.

Now, I understand that someday, we all may be there but, it really upsets me that SOME health care people at the LTC facilities are using the hospitals for a "vacation" from these residents taking up beds for patients that really need to be in the hospital.

Anyone else experiencing this?