26V - The People Left Behind: Older Adults in Custody
- Abstract
- The number of older adults in custody has significantly increased over the past few decades (Carson & Sabol, 2016). Increased staff training on older adult care (Brooke & Ryback, 2020; Williams et al. 2020) and environmental modifications (Bierie, 2018; Brooke et al., 2020; Du Toit et al., 2019; Du Toit & McGrath, 2018; Maschi et al., 2012) have been highlighted as potential solutions to decrease the barriers older adults in custody face. Through an in-depth needs assessment, an online educational module for correctional staff on older adult care that includes information regarding common chronic conditions found among older adults in custody, suggested interventions appropriate for the prison setting, videos, handouts, and case studies to encourage critical thinking, was created. It is anticipated the educational module will aid correctional staff and benefit older adults in custody by increasing the quality of life, occupational participation, and performance in daily activities of all.
- Presented by
- Therese Pettersen