Elderly Inmates Research Articles

Correlation between Burning Mouth Syndrome and Anxiety in the Elderly Inmates of Sanitaria in Tehran.

Background and aims Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by a chief complaint of oral burning/pain with no clinically observable oral mucosal lesions. The prevalence of BMS has been reported to be 2.5-5.1% in the general population and several psychological disorders have been reported as associated or predisposing factors for BMS. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between BMS and anxiety in the elderly residents of sani-taria in Tehran, Iran. Materials and methods In a cross-sectional analytical study, 50 patients with BMS were included along with 50 healthy individuals as controls. Inclusion criteria were: age over 60 years, burning sensation in the mouth, normal oral mu-cosa, absence of diabetes, satisfactory prosthesis, absence of iron deficiency and other nutrients, and no heavy smoking habits. Similar inclusion criteria were considered for the control group without any oral complaints. Burning/pain severity was assessed by a 100-mm visual analog scale and the severity of anxiety (state, trait, and total) was determined by Cattell's Anxiety Scale. Data was analyzed by t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results Individuals with BMS assessed their burning/pain severity to be 27.4 mm (95% CI=25.2 - 29.6 mm). Standard-ized total anxiety scale in individuals with and without BMS (±SE for mean) was 5.9±0.2 and 4.6±0.3 with significant dif-ferences (p=0.001). Similar significant differences were observed in state and trait anxiety between the two groups. Conclusion It seems that both state and trait anxiety are associated with burning mouth syndrome.

The study on the Community Corrections Program for Elderly Inmates

The study on the Community Corrections Program for Elderly Inmates

Severe vitamin D deficiency in the institutionalized elderly

Severe vitamin D deficiency has been found to be prevalent in institutionalized elderly persons in several countries. The aim of the present work was to assess the vitamin D status of institutionalized elderly and compare it to that of community-living independent elderly in southern Greece during summer. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and plasma PTH were measured in 58 (aged 68-103 yr, median 83.5) elderly inmates of a nursing home (IE) in the town of Kalamata (latitude N 37 degrees ) and in 48 (aged 60-89 yr, median 72) community-dwelling elderly (CDE) in Athens (latitude N 38 degrees ). The CDE had mean serum 25(OH)D 67.6 nmol/l [95% confidence interval (CI) 57.4 to 79.5], not far from the value of 80 nmol/l which is generally considered to be the lower limit of vitamin D sufficiency. The IE had significantly lower mean 25(OH)D 19.0 nmol/l (17.1 to 21.1); values of 25(OH)D below 20 nmol/l characterize severe vitamin D deficiency and may cause osteomalacia. The group of CDE had significantly lower mean plasma PTH 1.5 pmol/l (1.0 to 1.8) compared to 4.5 (3.9 to 5.3) of IE. Ninety percent of CDE had normal plasma PTH whereas 60% of IE had secondary hyperparathyroidism (PTH values >4.0 pmol/l). In conclusion, the majority of institutionalized elderly in southern Greece had severe vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism in contrast to the fairly good vitamin D status and lack of hyperparathyroidism in the community-living elderly during summer. These findings indicate the need for vitamin D and calcium supplementation of the institutionalized elderly throughout the year.

The Association Between Aging Inmate Housing Management Models and Non-Geriatric Health Services in State Correctional Institutions

One of the current debates in the literature on aging inmates asks, what is the most efficient housing/health care model for this “special needs” population? State and federal correctional systems place elderly inmates either in specialized segregated housing units away from the general inmate population, consolidate elderly inmates in housing units within the prison, or provide a combination of both models. In general, proponents of the segregated housing model argue that aging inmates will receive specialized medical services in geriatric units. However, proponents of consolidated housing model argue that aging inmates will have the benefit of both geriatric and non-geriatric health services. This paper examines the association between the type of housing management model for aging inmates and the availability of non-geriatric physical and mental health services. Data for the analysis come from the 2000 Bureau of Justice Statistics Census of State and Federal Adult Correctional Facilities. The results suggest that institutions offering consolidated geriatric care provide more mental health services and that these effects are independent of the characteristics of prison facility.

Elderly Jail Inmates

Increases in the size of the elderly population in jails and prisons have created considerable challenges for health-care practitioners within correctional systems and public health agencies. This study examined the prevalence of elderly inmates in 134 county jails and some of the challenges that these older inmates confront. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of elderly inmates in county jails is higher than reported in recent national studies. Further, these populations were thought to be at high-risk for selfharm, suicide, and victimization by other inmates. Implications for health care within county jails as well as public health approaches to solving challenges associated with elderly jail inmates are addressed.

Professional Update

People in prison over the age of 60 years are not being provided with adequate health care according to the Prison Reform Trust. As a consequence, the Trust is calling on the Government to build ‘nursing home prisons’ for elderly inmates.

Healthcare needs of older prisoners are neglected.

People in prison over the age of 60 years are not being provided with adequate health care according to the Prison Reform Trust. As a consequence, the Trust is calling on the Government to build ‘nursing home prisons’ for elderly inmates.

Selected Predictors of Health Services Needs of Inmates Over Age 50

The purpose of this study was to correlate the characteristics of 1,051 elderly inmates (those over 50 years of age) in the Federal Bureau of Prisons with the number of medical encounters for selec...

Stay safe! Stay healthy! Surviving old age in prison.

Although elderly inmates form a small minority in the U.S. prison population (6.6%), this number is expected to increase by 2005. Elderly prisoners consist of first-time offenders, habitual offenders, and those who have "aged in place" (received very long sentences at a young age). Violence is an identified stressor affecting the elderly prisoner. This enduring stressor can add to physical deterioration, particularly in the inmate with chronic illness. Violence in prison falls into three categories: prisoner-prisoner, staff-prisoner, or prisoner-staff (Clear & Cole, 1994). Prisoner-prisoner incidents account for the majority of violence within prison systems. The convict in today's prison will use extremes of violence to combat threats to his or her reputation or self-concept of "machismo," or if the inmate feels "disrespected." The aging prisoner may have chronic, pervasive stress levels disguised under a tough veneer, although he or she may no longer be strong enough physically or emotionally to fend off potential attackers. Interventions with elderly prisoners include thorough physical and cognitive assessment, including signs and symptoms of depression or stress related to environmental disturbances. Educational training for correctional staff about age-specific developmental changes is necessary. Building partnerships with community, state, and national organizations can assist elderly inmates in their adjustment to prison and foster successful community release programs. Special care units may be considered for frail elderly inmates or those with chronic health problems.

Old and Ornery: The Disciplinary Experiences of Elderly Prisoners

As a group, elderly prisoners are regarded as less troublesome and generally well-behaved. Consequently, those with adjustment problems and disciplinary actions tend to be overlooked and are virtually nonexistent in the literature. This study examined elderly prisoners in a southwestern United States institution, and compared their disciplinary histories. Since disciplined inmates represented approximately 40 percent of the elderly population, unanticipated conflict could result if special facilities and programs are designed with stereotypical images of the elderly in mind. Using variables such as physical health, relative age, previous incarcerations, and mental health problems, as few significant differences were found and prediction of elderly inmates with disciplinary histories remained problematic.

The Elderly in Prison: A Profile

From a 1979 nationwide self-report survey of 11,397 inmates in state penal institutions, 248 of them aged 55 or older, a profile of elderly inmates based on comparisons with their younger counterparts has been constructed. Areas of analysis include: personal characteristics, current offense and sentence, probation and incarceration history, conformity to prison rules, prison recreation and work activities, and interaction withfamily members andfriends outside ofprison. Recommendations for future investigation are offered.

The Elderly in Prison: Issues and Perspectives

The elderly prison inmate is described in terms of a personal profile, social-psychological effects of the prison environment, prison peer relationships and status hierarchy, participation in basic social institutions, and conformity to prison rules and parole. Additionally, results are reported of a recent survey conducted by the author on the existence or lack thereof of special policies, programs, and facilities for elderly inmates in United States prisons. Coverage of these topics is followed by a critique of research methods and recommendations for future research.

The older person in prison

Through an extensive review of the literature a profile of the older prisoner is described. Psychologically, the elderly inmate is insecure, fearful, and becomes ‘sedated’ (giving up). Sociologically, the process of prisonization is examined and the concept of institutional neurosis occasionally appears and is manifested in older prisoners not wanting to leave prison. The elderly are also associated with social control as persons not likely to riot and serving as a stabilizing force. The issues of age-integrated versus age-segregated environments are discussed with alternative living patterns suggested. The research methodology in criminal justice studies are critiqued and recommendations are made for more effective study.