NCJ Number
84924
Journal
Angolite Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (July/August 1982) Pages: 33-40
Editor(s)
W Rideau,
B Sinclair
Date Published
1982
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The new medical director at the Louisiana State Penitentiary consolidated the medical program and created a special nurse-care unit for elderly prisoners.
Abstract
Two wards at the prison's hospital were cleaned out and turned into a special home for prisoners who are too old to care for themselves in the regular prison population. While the program is a windfall for the elderly prisoners, it stands out as an ominous reminder of the fate of more than 1,000 lifers at the prison. While there is no easy way to determine just how many 'old' prisoners are at the institution who qualify for the special ward, the director hopes that in the future a computer will be able to provide that information. The Lifers' Association, made up of prisoners with life sentences, formed an elderly assistance program. Once a month the program sponsors a bingo night. Every Thursday night, lifers send their popcorn wagon to the ward to give the old men popcorn and soft drinks. Photographs, are included.