Elderly Nursing Home Residents' Need for Public Guardianship Services in Tennessee

This study assesses the need for public limited guardian, conservator, representative payee, and power of attorney services among elderly nursing home residents in Tennessee in the Summer and Fall of 1988. Of the 295 licensed nursing homes in Tennessee, 123 responded that 32% of their residents were receiving one of the services, and 10% of their residents (1,044 of 10,555) needed one of the services. As many as 3,003 residents in Tennessee may need one of the services. The effects of size and location of nursing homes are measurable but minimal. The problems of record-keeping and conflict of interest are cited.