Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this commentary is to draw upon available literature and practices related to COVID-19 and management of older incarcerated adults in Australia to highlight key matters for better risk management and care of this population during this and future infectious disease pan/epidemics.Design/methodology/approachThe present commentary draws on current policies, practices and literature regarding the health, needs and management of older incarcerated adults in Australia to discuss risk, care and early release for this population during the COVID-19 pandemic.FindingsIncarcerated persons experience poorer health and accelerated age-related decline compared to those in the general community. The present situation offers the opportunity to fill knowledge and practice gaps, including policies for staff training, identification of dementia and cognitive decline, assessment of mobility issues, addressing barriers to health-seeking, possibilities of medical or compassionate release, risk assessment and release protocols and post-release needs.Practical implicationsWhile Australian prisons have acknowledged the vulnerability of older persons, more focused adaptation of COVID-19-related policies to consider adults as young as 45 years are needed. Appropriate ethical identification and management of cases in this population is needed, as is discussion on issues of decarceration and medical release. Re-conceptualisation of incarcerated adults as “citizens in need of care”, rather than as “offenders to be secured”, will be beneficial. Robust, local evidence is needed to assist decision-making.Originality/valueThis is a comprehensive, focused review of relevant evidence, policies and practices for a growing subpopulation of prisoners worldwide with complex needs and particular vulnerability to the COVID-19.
Highlights
In line with general international trends, Australian prisons are experiencing a steep increase in their population of older adults, with a 300% increase in those over the age of 65 in the past 20 years (Ginnivan et al, 2018)
In terms of COVID-19, Australia has fared comparatively better than these countries, with 26,465 confirmed cases in the wider community recorded by the first week of September, 2020 (Australian Government Department of Health, 2020)
Accessed by the large majority of Australia’s incarcerated persons (Australian Institue of Health and Welfare, 2019), these enhanced income support payments may have briefly improved the accessibility of support, including housing, to older people transitioning from prison to the community during COVID-19
Summary
In line with general international trends, Australian prisons are experiencing a steep increase in their population of older adults, with a 300% increase in those over the age of 65 in the past 20 years (Ginnivan et al, 2018) With this increase comes myriad health, social and economic challenges. Such challenges, which remain poorly investigated and addressed in the Australian prison context to date, are amplified in the current COVID-19 pandemic The purpose of this commentary is to draw upon the available literature and practices relating to COVID-19 and management of older incarcerated adults in Australia to highlight key matters for better risk management and care of this population during this and future infectious disease pan/ epidemics. There is an urgent need and opportunity to reconsider decarceration policies, prison practice and infrastructure to better manage the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on older incarcerated adults. The COVID-19 pandemic brings the urgent needs of this population to the fore and presents a unique opportunity to deliberately consider concepts such as risk to the community, retribution and punishment, care and release that have simmered in the literature over the past decade
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