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Open Access 01-10-2010 | Original Research

Coming Home: Health Status and Homelessness Risk of Older Pre-release Prisoners

Authors: Brie A. Williams, MD, James McGuire, PhD, Rebecca G. Lindsay, MS, Jacques Baillargeon, PhD, Irena Stijacic Cenzer, MA, Sei J. Lee, MD, Margot Kushel, MD

Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine | Issue 10/2010

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Older adults comprise an increasing proportion of the prison and homeless populations. While older age is associated with adverse post-release health events and incarceration is a risk factor for homelessness, the health status and homelessness risk of older pre-release prisoners are unknown. Moreover, most post-release services are geared towards veterans; it is unknown whether the needs of non-veterans differ from those of veterans.

OBJECTIVE

To assess health status and risk of homelessness of older pre-release prisoners, and to compare veterans with non-veterans.

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional study of 360 prisoners (≥55 years of age) within 2 years of release from prison using data from the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities.

MAIN MEASURES

Veteran status, health status (based on self-report), and risk of homelessness (homelessness before arrest).

KEY RESULTS

Mean age was 61 years; 93.8% were men and 56.5% were white. Nearly 40% were veterans, of whom 77.2% reported likely VA service eligibility. Veterans were more likely to be white and to have obtained a high school diploma or GED. Overall, 79.1% reported a medical condition and 13.6% reported a serious mental illness. There was little difference in health status between veterans and non-veterans. Although 1 in 12 prisoners reported a risk factor for homelessness, the risk factors did not differ according to veteran status.

CONCLUSIONS

Older pre-release prisoners had a high burden of medical and mental illness and were at risk for post-release homelessness regardless of veteran status. Reentry programs linking pre-release older prisoners to medical and psychiatric services and to homelessness prevention programs are needed for both veterans and non-veterans.

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Title: Coming Home: Health Status and Homelessness Risk of Older Pre-release Prisoners
Authors: Brie A. Williams, MD
James McGuire, PhD
Rebecca G. Lindsay, MS
Jacques Baillargeon, PhD
Irena Stijacic Cenzer, MA
Sei J. Lee, MD
Margot Kushel, MD
Publication date: 01-10-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of General Internal Medicine / Issue 10/2010
Print ISSN: 0884-8734
Electronic ISSN: 1525-1497
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-010-1416-8

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Coming Home: Health Status and Homelessness Risk of Older Pre-release Prisoners

Abstract

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVE

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS

MAIN MEASURES

KEY RESULTS

CONCLUSIONS

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Abstract

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVE

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS

MAIN MEASURES

KEY RESULTS

CONCLUSIONS

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