In recent years, long-term care facilities, particularly those specializing in dementia care, have faced increasing scrutiny due to reports of violence among residents. The tragic case of Dan Shively, a former bank president, sheds light on these alarming trends. Shively, who had been experiencing dementia, encountered fellow resident Jeffrey Dowd at Canyon Creek Memory Care Community in Billings, Montana. Their meeting culminated in a violent altercation resulting in Shively’s death from a severe head injury inflicted by Dowd, a resident known for his own history of aggressive behavior.
Reports reveal that Shively, who had displayed various dementia symptoms such as confusion and erratic behavior, died five days after the incident, casting questions on the facility’s care practices. Dowd, who had previously exhibited volatile behavior, was allowed to remain at Canyon Creek even after multiple altercations with other residents. Court records indicate that the center’s management had warned staff about Dowd’s potential for aggression prior to the encounter with Shively.
The issue is not isolated. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly 15% of residents in assisted living facilities encountered various forms of aggression from their peers within just a month. This pervasive violence calls into question the safety measures in place at such facilities, particularly as dementia patients may struggle to manage their emotions and impulses due to brain impairments.
Facilities like Canyon Creek must adhere to regulations that prohibit admitting residents who pose a danger to themselves or others. However, cases like Shively’s suggest lapses in the screening and retention processes. Many memory care homes may compromise on safety due to financial incentives, admitting residents who require more intensive care than the facilities can provide.
Karl Pillemer, a gerontologist and co-author of the JAMA study, advocates for a more proactive approach to managing aggressive behaviors in long-term care settings, promoting the creation of “violence-free zones” similar to those established in schools.
The conversation around improving accountability in dementia care facilities is essential. Families of residents, like the Shively family, often feel that liability is insufficiently addressed, and incidents of violence persist without systemic changes to ensure resident safety. This case has not only left a family mourning but also highlighted the urgent need for reform in the long-term care industry to better protect some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
In conclusion, while individual facilities strive for high standards of care, the broader systemic issues of staffing shortages, inadequate training, and financial priorities often hinder progress. It calls for a critical re-evaluation of how such care environments are managed to avert future tragedies.
