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Current Geriatrics Reports

Published in:

01-09-2019 | Care | Underserved Populations (H Fernandez, Section Editor)

Aging Patients in Correctional Settings

Authors: Rachael Bedard, Ayla Pelleg

Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

The United States (US) has the highest number of incarcerated people in the world. This incarcerated population is aging disproportionately compared with the general population. Correctional facilities need to develop geriatric competencies to respond to this aging crisis.

Recent Findings

Older inmates have an increased burden of chronic medical conditions. This leads to higher healthcare utilization and costs across correctional systems. Daily symptoms, such as pain, and geriatric syndromes, such as cognitive impairment, frailty, and sensory impairment, are common but are frequently undertreated.

Summary

There is a national shortage of geriatricians and minimal geriatric expertise within the correctional system. Geriatric models of care need to be embedded within correctional facilities to help patients maintain function, health, and dignity as people age within the criminal system.

Rachael Bedard, one of the authors, is the director of Geriatrics and Complex Care services for the New York City jail system.

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Title: Aging Patients in Correctional Settings
Authors: Rachael Bedard
Ayla Pelleg
Publication date: 01-09-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Care
Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports / Issue 3/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2196-7865
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-019-00298-2

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