Nurses and Residents Fear for Their Lives Amid Rising Violence in Dementia Care Facilities

In a tragic intersection of lives affected by dementia, Dan Shively and Jeffrey Dowd’s stories converge at Canyon Creek Memory Care Community in Billings, Montana. Shively, a former bank president who loved fly-fishing, and Dowd, an ex-auto mechanic and dog rescue operator, both succumbed to the debilitating effects of the disease.

Shively exhibited alarming symptoms, including wandering lost and leaving the gas stove on, raising serious safety concerns for his family. Dowd, with a history of confusion and suicidal tendencies, posed warnings for staff, who anticipated he could become physically or verbally abusive when frustrated.

On Shively’s fourth day at Canyon Creek, an altercation ensued. Witnesses reported that Dowd forcefully shoved Shively, causing him to fall and suffer a fatal skull fracture. Shively died five days later at the age of 73, despite medical efforts to save him. The incident led to a lawsuit against the facility.

Canyon Creek maintains that it bears no responsibility for Shively’s death, emphasizing their commitment to resident safety. However, hospital records painted a troubling picture of Dowd’s behavior, revealing he engaged in multiple aggressive confrontations with other residents during his nearly three-year stay.

Experts note that violent incidents among dementia patients in care facilities are alarmingly common. Research indicates that many nursing home residents experience aggression, raising concerns about the management of individuals with severe cognitive impairments.

In the Shively family’s lawsuit, they argued that Canyon Creek should not have admitted Dowd, as he posed a danger to others. Montana law prohibits care facilities from retaining residents who present a significant threat. Canyon Creek countered that such behaviors are typical among dementia patients.

Staff training inadequacies often lead to unmanageable situations in memory care facilities. Investigations reveal that a lack of adequate staffing and proper resident assessments can escalate violence, with some homes choosing to keep paying residents despite observable threats.

As the Shively case went to trial in 2022, the jury ultimately found Canyon Creek liable for negligence, awarding the family $310,000. Yet, for the Shively family, the victory felt hollow; little has changed in the system that governs assisted living for dementia patients. The need for improved safety measures and accountability in long-term care facilities remains urgent.