Social and custodial needs of older adults in prison.

BACKGROUND

older prisoners are a fast-growing group but there is limited evidence for how well their needs are being met.

OBJECTIVES

to quantify the social and custodial needs of older prisoners and suggest improvements for service provision.

DESIGN

cross-sectional study.

SETTING

twelve prisons holding adult males in North West England.

SUBJECTS

two hundred and sixty-two prisoners; 97 aged between 50 and 59, 165 aged 60 and over.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

older prisoners have distinct social and custodial needs which need to be addressed by a national strategy for their care and management.