A resource pack for working with older prisoners

The pack and its resources are aimed at wing-based prison staff, disability liaison officers, peer support workers and anyone else who wishes to practically enhance the day-to-day lives of older prisoners. There is also a one-day workshop available for anyone who would like to receive training and know-how on how to help older prisoners. However, the pack and the one-day workshop are just a starting point. The training workshop will equip you to run your own workshops back in your respective establishments and you’ll be able to access the resource material on HM Prison Service’s intranet. We are also exploring the possibility of a twice-yearly email update as well as a virtual forum where you will be able to pose questions and seek advice. 

Introduction

How to use this pack

The hard copy

The resources and activities

Working with older prisoners workshop

Follow up

Part 1

Background

Facts and figures

 What is it like being an older person in prison?

Reviews of conditions for older prisoners

Part 2 Health and healthy ageing

Normal ageing and its symptoms

What is affected by normal ageing?

How to age healthily

Recognising and responding to illnesses common among older prisoners

Back pain

Cancer

Cancer: breast

Cancer: prostate

 Cancer: skin

Dementia

Depression

 Diabetes

Glaucoma

Hypertension

Incontinence

Menopause

Osteoporosis

Parkinson’s disease

Shingles

 Part 3 Good practice ideas

Environment

Environmental adaptations for prisoners

Visits and visitors 33 l Officer for older prisoners

 Activities

Physical activities

 Learning

Day centres

Older prisoners’ forums and discussion groups

 Community organisations in prison

Advocacy and befriending schemes

Education and work

 Healthcare

Healthy living and nutrition

Assessment tools and service frameworks

Palliative care policies

Personal safety – preventing falls

Personal care

 Resettlement

Part 4 Information and advice

General

Activities, learning and exercise

Disability and rehabilitation

 Employment

 Finance, benefit and debt

Health, illness and disease

Housing

Welfare 

National Institute of Corrections

NACRO (2009). A resource pack for working with older prisoners. Nacro Communications Department. A resource pack for working with older prisoners | The British Library (bl.uk)