250 words agree or disagree to each questions

Question 1.

Currently, the United States has an estimated 2.3 million people incarcerated which is the largest prison population. With some of these inmates serving life sentences, they eventually become elderly. Compared to the peers outside of prison walls at the same age, they will endure the same ailments and disabilities. Managing healthcare is becoming an ever-increasing concern in these facilities nationwide. Elderly inmates according to the National Institute of Corrections is those of a chronological age of fifty years or older. As time grows, the population of elderly inmates are increasing, as of 2010, 13% of inmates in our prison system were over 55 years old, (Story, 2011). Over the next 20 years, the elderly that are incarcerated is steadily becoming the fastest growing prisoner group. By 2030, the population of elderly inmates over 55 years old and is predicted to be at 1.6 million which will be one third of the entire prison population in the United States. Additionally, studies found that incarceration can age an inmate on an average of 11.5 years. As opposed to younger inmates, the elderly will require special needs such as medical attention, special diets, nurses, and medication. It has been estimated that housing costs for an elderly offender can amount up to $70,000 annually, three times the costs to house a younger offender, Mcbride, 2012). The Federal Bureau of Prisons reported that the cost of healthcare of inmates rose 29 percent from fiscal year 2009 to 2013. In 2009, 854 million dollars was spent on healthcare with a 5.5-billion-dollar budget which was 16 percent. In 2013, the healthcare cost rose to 1.1 billion with a 6.5-billion-dollar budget which was 17 percent. While the BOP states that it cannot determine the specific medical costs associated with individual inmates, we found that aging inmates, as a group, are more expensive to incarcerate than younger inmates, primarily due to their medical needs, (oig.justice.gov, 2016).

As we seen the costs of housing elderly inmates is on the rise. On approach could be to implement special housing units for the elderly without incarcerating them into regular jail or prison facilities. Hospice units could also be implemented for those suffering from life ending situations. If an individual does not pose a threat to the public a compassionate or conditional release could be another option for elderly inmates. These releases could include probation, parole, and immediate sanctions. The welfare of the elderly inmate should be a focus while still punishing them. As a human, we have our rights, even prisoners. Prisoners that are elderly should be treated with dignity. Any disabilities or ailments that the inmate might have should be treated appropriately. If the inmate needs hospice, it should be provided. If the inmate is no longer a threat to the general public, they should be released either with conditions, or compassion. Ultimately, releasing an elderly inmate that shows no threat to the public would ease prison overcrowding, treat that inmate with dignity, and would relieve the cost of the taxpayer.

References

 Story, S. (2011) The Elderly In Prison: A Growing Concern retrieved from http://www.corrections.com/news/article/28550-the-elderly-in-prison-a-growing-concern

Mcbride, K., & McKenzie, S. (2012). Elderly offenders: An American corrections catch-22? (ProQuest Dissertations Publishing). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1315770172/

(2016) The Impact of an Aging Inmate Population on the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2015/e1505.pdf

Question 2.

Most of the time when a person receives criminal punishment, the public is not worried about the cost to the upkeep of that criminal’s needs. Only time, the public is aware of the cost for the jail and prison is when the fiscal year budget is the topic of discussion. Some people may question why taxpayer money goes to taken care of the inmates, but unknowingly it keeps the inmates from being seen in the public and keep them behind bars. Of course, most of the issue is for most prison is what to do when the inmates get older to be considered an elder or senior. Another term is a “novice long-termer” a person that is starting a long-term prison sentence that entitles the service of 15 years or more before becoming eligible for release. Elderly people that are incarcerated impose a fiscal cost upon the state government to increase the costs of parole, housing, public Helpance benefits, and emergency room visits, which potentially lead to a raise tax revenue (Center for Justice at Columbia University, 2015). In this case, with the increase in cost rising for the elderly, the problem is where is the issue that needs the most attention for the prison to discuss a possible solution.  

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has found that medical needs have increased for aged inmates than younger inmates. In turn, it limited the staff on training to address the needs for the gaining inmates and limit on the housing that would be appropriate for the elder inmates. To the point, elder inmates can be considered for early release, which can be money-saving, but there are limits on who can be released. Even though, the inmates become older that will generally become less of a threat during incarceration and less likely of a threat to society. With the process of prison aging, the consequence is a lengthy prison sentence, extended period, or health-related decline. In case, can become a stressful aspect in the prison for the staff (Office of the Inspector General, 2016). 

In conclusion, the best thing is for the states and federal is to have certain housing for elder inmates that will meet the medical needs like a nursing home or a medical center. This could help to deviate some of the cost to housing in prison, by having established facilities and staff to take care of the elder needs and still following the legally mandatory for the inmates. This will give a chance to work with companion programs that could help elder inmates on what to do when they get out after serving their time. However, some citizens will believe if this was a solution to saving taxpayer money than it will be the best decision. This will keep elder and younger inmates separated when it comes to misconduct in the facilities. Also, the inmate’s rights are met with appropriate staff that can help with certain items and the need for the inmates. All in all, I cannot wait to learn more about everyone’s thoughts on this possible approach. 

Rachel

References

Center for Justice at Columbia University. (2015, November). Aging in Prison: Retrieved from Columbia University: http://centerforjustice.columbia.edu/files/2015/10/AgingInPrison_FINAL_web.pdf

Office of the Inspector General. (2016, February). The Impact of an Aging Inmate. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Justice: https://oig.justice.gov/reports/2015/e1505.pdf