
Our state and federal prisons are also dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and various forms of dementia within their penal systems. Dementia inmates are aging in place and need specialized care, just like the general population. No matter what brought prisoners into the penal system, if they are experiencing Alzheimer’s disease or some form of dementia, they are in need of specialized care and specific communication strategies that are different from what the average prisoner needs.
Education / Training Options:
Training sessions for prison caregivers and prison staff would be held within the facilities in conjunction with the directors. Prison caregivers would potentially be hand-picked and matched, one-on-one, with those prisoners who have been diagnosed or are showing signs of forgetfulness and confusion. Each situation would be unique as to selection of participants and requirements for training.
January, 2015
When I first started my consulting firm, I had hoped to address this particular population for training, as it is desperately needed. I am thankful I was able to provide a full day of training at the State of Maine’s maximum security prison. The 30+ gentlemen who attended were volunteers in a Hospice program and provided direct care to other prisoners. They cared and tended to their peers who were in the infirmary or may have been at the end stage of their life. They provided in a very caring, compassionate way, all of the tasks that a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) would provide to a patient. They were an amazing, caring group of individuals who took their responsibilities very seriously and with great humility. It was my pleasure to spend the day with them and help them understand more completely the needs of the dementia patient.