Final answer:
The OBRA of 1987 was enacted as a response to widespread reports of abuse and poor care in nursing homes, aiming to improve the quality and regulation of long-term care for the elderly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) in 1987 was largely due to A. Abuse and poor care in nursing homes. There were widespread reports of inadequate care, neglect, and abuse in nursing facilities that prompted a reform in the regulation of long-term care and the protection of vulnerable elderly residents. The OBRA legislation was thus enacted to establish a higher standard of care in nursing homes and to ensure that residents were treated with dignity and respect. OBRA introduced significant changes to nursing home regulations, including requirements for staffing and training, residents' rights, and assessment of residents' needs.
Elder abuse is a serious concern, and it reflects the importance of vigilant care and the identification of mistreatment risk factors such as bereavement due to widowhood. Health institutions face a societal responsibility to create environments where the terminally ill can be cared for with compassion, upholding the dignity of the elderly until their death. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) encourages awareness about the different types of elder abuse and the signs associated with it.