Prisoner populations around the world are ageing, a trend echoed in the Western Australian custodial estate.
Commissioner for Corrective Services Mike Reynolds said prisons were managing the requirements of older prisoners based on an individual’s circumstances.
Risk assessment tools used for all prisoners take into account fitness for travel, upper bunk bed allocation, involvement in sporting activities and the potential for falls.
“While current management procedures are working, it is clear that as the percentage of people in custody aged 50 or over grows, some specific strategies need to be implemented,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
“Older prisoners needs can vary greatly. Some require little to no additional support, some need to be separated from the mainstream population for their protection, and others require high-level health care around the clock.
“The expansion of Casuarina Prison will include an Assisted Care Unit, which will have community equivalent nursing home care for those prisoners with the highest level of need.
“Future planning will also take into account the small percentage of older female prisoners, and options for male prisoners who have a lower level of need.”
Research and planning will take into consideration infrastructure, program and constructive daily activity requirements for older prisoners.
The Department welcomes a report by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services that reviews the current management of older prisoners in WA.
All three recommendations from the Inspector are supported in principle, with work already underway to investigate an optimal model of care for these individuals.
