Can a nursing home require an additional care giver or family member all day?

When my mother first entered her facility, they wanted her to have a daytime “companion”. She was admitted from the hospital where, suffering from a urinary tract infection, she had been combative with the staff. The staff at her facility wasn’t sure how she’d react there. However, once her infection was cleared up, she became pretty meek and mild albeit vocally unhappy. After two weeks of $15 an hour, self-pay for the sitter to sit and do nothing but watch television with my mother, I said “enough” and told the provider agency that was enough.

Maybe her needs are too high for the type of facility she's in?

I knew someone in assisted living that needed to bring in caregivers because the level of care in assisted living is very low and she was sundowning and needed someone with her for a few hours each evening.

What are the reasons for this request?
A little more info would be helpful.