A tragic incident took place at Canyon Creek Memory Care Community in Billings, Montana, where two residents, Dan Shively and Jeffrey Dowd, both suffering from dementia, were involved in a violent altercation. Shively, a former bank president and float builder in Cody, Wyoming, died as a result of injuries sustained during the incident.
The encounter occurred when Dowd, a former auto mechanic and dog rescue operator in Santa Fe, pushed Shively, causing him to fall and suffer fatal injuries. Shively’s family filed a lawsuit against Canyon Creek, alleging negligence in allowing Dowd, known to exhibit aggressive behavior, to remain at the facility.
The facility denied liability for Shively’s death, and Dowd’s relatives declined to comment, stating they were pleased with the care he received at Canyon Creek. Violent altercations between residents in long-term care facilities are unfortunately common, especially among residents with dementia.
The incident highlighted the challenges faced by facilities providing care for individuals with dementia, as clashes between residents can be unpredictable and difficult to prevent. According to experts, more efforts are needed to create violence-free environments in long-term care facilities.
Both Shively and Dowd had experienced a decline in their cognitive abilities due to dementia, with Shively’s condition deteriorating rapidly in the years leading up to the incident. Dowd, with a history of dementia and psychiatric disorders, had moved to Canyon Creek to be closer to his family.
The case raised questions about the admission and retention of residents with behavioral issues in memory care facilities, as the safety of all residents must be prioritized. Despite the tragic outcome, the incident shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with dementia and the need for improved care and support in long-term care facilities.