Managed Care
Dementia Care Facilities Face Resident-on-Resident Violence Despite Oversight
An examination of health inspection reports and court records by KFF Health News reveals recurring violence between residents with dementia in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, including fatal assaults. The review documents patterns where facilities miss warning signs and fail to implement adequate safeguards to prevent resident-on-resident incidents. The findings highlight systemic gaps in dementia care protocols and supervision practices across long-term care settings. For Medicaid managed care organizations contracting with these facilities for long-term services and supports, the findings underscore quality oversight and member safety obligations.
Why it mattersMedicaid MCOs contracting for LTSS bear network adequacy and quality oversight responsibilities that include ensuring contracted facilities maintain safe environments for members with dementia, with potential exposure to grievances, appeals, and regulatory scrutiny when member safety incidents occur.