Treatment of Older and Elderly Inmates Within Prisons

Abstract

An increase in the number of older and elderly inmates in the prison system has sparked controversy regarding current procedures and programs as well as possible solutions. Preservation of human and constitutional rights while maintaining appropriate punishment under the same Constitution and increased fiscal expenditures has called into question whether the correctional system is the correct setting for older and elderly inmates. The changing population in prisons has led to an increase in medical care expenses, causing some states to implement early release programs or to build separate facilities for the geriatric population. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Prisons in conjunction with empirical studies create a foundation that allows for a comprehensive survey of the problems, current protocols, and prospective practices.