Utah Nursing Homes Struggle to Address Residents' Mental Health Needs

Facilities cited for failing to provide support to patients who attempted suicide or engaged in self-harm

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:34am

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A FOX 13 News review found at least 18 incidents since 2019 where Utah nursing homes were cited for failing to provide behavioral health services to patients who attempted suicide, expressed suicidal thoughts, or engaged in self-harm. Experts say these facilities were never designed to handle the growing mental health needs of residents, with many lacking mental health professionals on staff and proper training to identify and address issues. Lack of mental health resources is one of the top complaints the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman receives from nursing home staff and residents.

Why it matters

The number of nursing home residents with serious mental illness has been increasing, but facilities often lack the resources and expertise to properly address these needs. This can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen in the cases of residents attempting suicide multiple times without receiving adequate support. Addressing the mental health crisis in long-term care is crucial for ensuring the wellbeing and safety of vulnerable older adults.

The details

In one case, a Millcreek nursing home resident with a history of suicide attempts was cited for failing to provide him with necessary behavioral health services, even as he made three suicide attempts over 13 months. The director of nursing said the facility was "doing the best we can" but the resident was "probably more psych than we can handle" and other providers had refused to take him. Experts say the de-institutionalization movement in the 1970s led to many people with mental illness ending up in nursing homes, which were never designed to handle such high levels of mental health needs.

  • In August 2021, the resident attempted suicide by leaving the facility on his electric scooter.
  • Six months later, in February 2022, he made a second suicide attempt by leaving the facility again.
  • Two months after that, in April 2022, he made a third suicide attempt, with police intervening each time.

The players

Anne Asman

A gerontologist and the program manager for the Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic and Optimal Aging Program within the Huntsman Mental Health Institute at the University of Utah.

Alianne Sipes

The program manager of the Utah's Long-Term Care Ombudsman office.

Allison Spangler

The president and CEO of the Utah Health Care Association.

Lori Smetanka

The executive director of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, which advocates for better conditions in long-term care facilities across the country.

Nate Crippes

An attorney with the Disability Law Center of Utah.

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What they’re saying

“When you're going to a nursing home — whether you have a physical issue or a mental health issue — the mental health issue always is set aside for the physical issues.”

— Anne Asman, Gerontologist, Huntsman Mental Health Institute

“We sometimes hear that more from facility staff. They are calling us concerned about residents, trying to find connections to address the mental health needs of residents.”

— Alianne Sipes, Program Manager, Utah Long-Term Care Ombudsman

“Nursing homes are not psychiatric hospitals.”

— Allison Spangler, President and CEO, Utah Health Care Association

“Often they feel isolated. We saw during COVID as people were separated from their loved ones — particularly for extended periods of time — that they became very, very depressed. Many lost their will to live. And so it's a real problem in long-term care facilities.”

— Lori Smetanka, Executive Director, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the resident out on bail.

The takeaway

This crisis highlights the urgent need for better mental health resources and training in nursing homes to identify and properly address the growing mental health needs of residents. Sustainable solutions will require collaboration between providers, policymakers, and the broader mental health system to ensure vulnerable older adults receive the support they require.