Understanding and meeting the needs of older people in prison 28 th November 2017 Lynn Saunders OBE Governor at HMP Whatton
Plan for Today: HMP Whatton Understanding and meeting the needs of older prisoners in prison Further Developments
HMP Whatton
HMP Whatton Specialist treatment site (medium security) for people convicted of sexual offences. 6 accredited cognitive behavioural programmes including two programmes for people with intellectual disability (30%) Specialist programme for deaf people. 841 Adult Male prisoners over 21. 70% offences against children. 158 over 60 (66 over 70). 60 deaths in prison custody at Whatton since 2008. 58 prisoners needing social care support.
Environment and Regime Understanding the needs of older people in prison. Whatton not purpose built for the elderly (Detention Centre for Young People). 40% very small cells 440 cells built in 2006 cell doors not wide enough for wheelchair access or hospital beds. Prison Officers are not trained to deal with Social Care Patients Healthcare Centre - small in the 1960 s building and asbestos a problem. No full-time Healthcare cover or inpatient beds. Prison rules require prisoners under 65 to work. Prisoners responsible for collecting their own food and keeping themselves and their cell clean. Deaths in prison custody are investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Lack of family support, due to the nature of offending and/or amount of time spent in prison.
Environment and Regime Understanding the needs of older people in prison continued Control and safe storage of medication Mobility Large site Dementia care Constructive use of leisure time Social care Palliative care.
Environment and Regime Full time peer support (Social Care Advocates) Full time carers )Paid for by Local Authority Integrated in Healthcare contract) Downstairs of one unit adapted and staffed for social care patients.
Environment Accommodation set aside for the elderly and alternative regime in place (more freedom, C Wing).
Environment and Regime OPAL (Older Prisoners Active Living Project) organised in conjunction with voluntary sector organisations i.e. Age UK, Carers Federations, SAFFA
Environment and Regime Social Care Advocates Peer Support Project Trained and supported by Carers Federation
Environment and Regime Palliative Care Services and Suite Funded by Kings Fund
Environment and Regime Wheelchair Pushers Selected, assessed and trained
Environment and Regime Gardening Therapeutic support, mini allotment and raised flower beds.
Environment and Regime Paid Carers for social care and end of life care Local Authority funded
Environment and Regime Dementia Care Suite - Kings Fund Adapted Gymnasium facilities and activities Elderly Prisoner Group - OPAL Pre-release services benefits and provision of services Liaison with community resources for post release planning Security open door agreement Local Authority support Social Worker Assessments OT Assessments Specialist Equipment from the Red Cross
Staff and Prisoner training Provide specific training and accreditation in Adult Social Care / Dementia Care Specialised training in Safeguarding in Adult Health and Social Care Training in understanding End of Life Care Provide the time, opportunity and support for staff to manage emotions and reactions to the trauma of this work Provide enhanced therapeutic service e.g. Soundtrack to my Life
Families Where possible involve families in the care, management and planning of elderly prisoners Adapted visit sessions to meet the needs of this group Seating, noise etc Adult Social Care Family Links Worker Support Maintenance of Family Ties
Day Centre providing social contact and stimulation; reducing isolation and loneliness maintaining and/or restoring independence offering activities which provide mental and physical stimulation enabling care and monitoring of very frail and vulnerable older people promoting health and nutrition providing opportunities for older people to contribute as well as receive support. Education and support to develop independent living skills
Transition to the Community Transferring hobbies and interests into the community Constructive and Healthy use of Leisure Time Reduction in Re-offending Improved Public Protection Prevent another Victim
Conclusions It is possible to provide suitable care and support for older people in prison with imagination, enthusiasm and compassion. Thank you for listening. Lynn.Saunders@hmps.gsi.gov.uk