Social and custodial needs of older adults in prison

• Published in: Age and ageing Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. 589 - 593
• Main Authors: Hayes, Adrian J, Burns, Alistair, Turnbull, Pauline, Shaw, Jenny J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Oxford University Press 01.09.2013; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living; Age Factors; Aged; Aging; Aging - psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Custodial Care; Elder services; Family Relations; Friends; Health aspects; Health services; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Older people; Prisoners; Prisoners - psychology; Prisons; Provisions; Quality of Life; Service provision; Services; Social Behavior; Social networks; United Kingdom; needs assessment; service provision; older people; prisoners; forensic
• ISSN: 0002-0729; 1468-2834
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/aft066

older prisoners are a fast-growing group but there is limited evidence for how well their needs are being met. to quantify the social and custodial needs of older prisoners and suggest improvements for service provision. cross-sectional study. twelve prisons holding adult males in North West England. two hundred and sixty-two prisoners; 97 aged between 50 and 59, 165 aged 60 and over. interview and case-note review for issues of social and custodial need and quality of life in prison, including Forensic Camberwell Assessment of Need and Lubben Scale for social networks. many had problems mixing with younger prisoners, accommodation and activities, and limited contact with friends and family. A small group had personal care needs which were not well managed in prison. older prisoners have distinct social and custodial needs which need to be addressed by a national strategy for their care and management.