NCJ Number
196418
Journal
Corrections Forum Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2002 Pages: 12-14,16-18,19
Date Published
July 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the need for correctional institutions to address the special health care needs of elderly and chronically ill inmates and describes how some State corrections agencies have done this.
Abstract
The number of elderly inmates is now 7.5 times as high as it was only one generation ago, and costs for providing inmate health care increases as prisoners age. Inmates age 65 and older are likely to spend twice as much time in medical facilities and have three times the health care costs of younger inmates. This requires correctional institutions to accommodate their facilities and services to the prevention and health-service needs of elderly and chronically ill inmates. Prevention and accommodation health-related measures include the installation of grab bars in cells, showers, and toilet areas; larger letters on signs; accommodations for oxygen-dependent inmates who do not need medical housing; and activities designed to keep elderly inmates physically and mentally active. Some States provide special housing for elderly and chronically ill inmates with special health problems. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) manages chronic inmate diseases with a uniform approach developed through a collaboration of the TDCJ with universities and the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. National clinical management guidelines/protocols have been adopted to provide a consistent, high level of care at all units. Efforts have also been made to maintain quality health care while adopting cost-saving methods. These methods include the use of closed-circuit television medical consultations ("telemedicine") to eliminate staff and travel costs for some types of medical care and the use of contracts with outside health care facilities. This article also discusses organ donor and transplant policies, with the concern being to provide necessary care in a cost-effective and efficient manner.