Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office were proud to celebrate the formal launch of its newest treatment program – the Older Adult Re-Entry (OAR) unit, on Friday, March 21.
Sheriff Koutoujian was joined by Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson, Massachusetts Department of Corrections Commissioner Shawn Jenkins, and Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Jack Dennerlein, PhD to mark the launch of the groundbreaking initiative.
With assistance from academic partners from Boston University and UMass Boston, extensive research and planning paved the way to create this first-in-the-nation unit developed to support incarcerated men ages 55 and older. At the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction, approximately 10% of people incarcerated are 55+, an increase of nearly five percent over a one-decade timespan.
“The American population is aging and it is no different in corrections,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “It was clear to me that we needed to prepare for this demographic shift and acknowledge the unique needs of an aging population. We conducted intensive research with numerous academic and government partners to design a unit that would meet these needs in a holistic manner and better assist older individuals to return to their communities with the skills and aids needed to be successful.”
The inaugural group of incarcerated individuals officially moved into OAR in mid-October. Specialized and mandatory treatment programs in OAR are focused on the specific needs of this aging population, including cognitive behavioral treatment, education, social enrichment, and occupational therapy. The occupational therapy is focused on executive and cognitive functioning.
The dorm-style layout for the OAR unit is also customized with those 55-plus in mind. Beds are raised for easier access and single bunks have specially designed mattresses for better support. In addition, wayfinding markers are in place to help address spatial disorientation, and grab bars have been installed to help reduce fall risks.
The unit includes fitness equipment, special chairs, and a library fit for older adults.
Prior to the unit’s opening, 25 officers participated in specialized training facilitated by staff from Boston University designed to prepare them to work with this population. An additional 25 officers were trained in late January, bringing the total number of officers trained to 50.
“Sargent College is internationally recognized for its excellence and leadership in health and rehabilitation sciences and we are honored to collaborate with Sheriff Koutoujian on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Dean Dennerlein. “The Older Adult Re-Entry unit will improve the health and well-being of the older adults located there and improve the skills they need for community reintegration.”
The MSO has seen great success with its other unique, innovative programs which have shown positive results in reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for individuals and families. Those programs include initiatives for incarcerated veterans, emerging adults and those with opioid use disorder.
For more information on the MSO and its innovative programs, please visit middlesexsheriff.org.
Image 1: Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Jack Dennerlein, PhD (from left), Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson, State Representative Thomas Stanley (D- Waltham) and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian at the launch of the new Older Adult Re-Entry Unit at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction.
Image 2: Wayfinding marks are visible on the floor inside the Older Adult Re-Entry Unit at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction.
Image 3: Beds and lockers are visible inside the Older Adult Re-Entry Unit at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction.