An exploration of the support provided by prison staff, education, health and social care professionals, and prisoners for prisoners with dementia

The prison population is aging, and older prisoners are at a higher risk of developing dementia than their community dwelling counterparts. Currently there is limited information on the support provided for prisoners with dementia. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the lived experience of prison staff, education, health and social care professionals and prisoners with a social care role who supported men with dementia in prison. The study was completed in a Category C male prison in England. Focus groups and interviews with each professional group and prisoners explored current experiences of supporting prisoners with dementia. This qualitative exploration highlighted diversity within: education and training received by participants; the development of participant’s roles to support prisoners with dementia; and diversity within the prison regime which impacted on prisoners with dementia and those supporting them. Recommendations include the need for multidisciplinary training and development of both policies and guidelines to support staff and prisoners with a social care role to adequately support prisoners with dementia