There are now more older prisoners than ever before in England and Wales; precisely ‘four times the number of people aged 60+ than there were in 2002.’ People aged 60 and over are now the fastest growing age group in the prison estate. In 2023, 159 people aged 50 or over died of natural causes whilst in prison – almost three times the number that died twenty years ago. (Prison Reform Trust; Factfile February 2025)
In terms of ability, 36% of all prisoners are estimated to have a medical or mental disability, compared to 19% of the general population: 11% have a physical disability; 18% have a mental disability; 8% have both. Of prisoners screened through educational assessments in England in 2023-24, over half (55%) were identified as having a learning difficulty or disability. 62% of women and 54% of men report having mental health problems. (Prison Reform Trust; Factfile February 2025)
PAS is frequently asked for assistance when prisons and probation services fail to meet legal responsibilities towards older, chronically ill and disabled prisoners, both during their time in prison and when they are due for release. Caseworkers help such prisoners obtain appropriate social care assessments (including Occupational Therapy), adaptations to cells (grab rails, adapted showers and toilets), specialist equipment (beds, chairs, wheelchairs, mobility aids) and reasonable adjustments (non-slip flooring, level access) to prevent unfavourable treatment compared to other prisoners. This includes facilitating external doctor, hospital or optician appointments for long-term conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, dementia and failing eyesight or hearing.
PAS also helps older, chronically ill and disabled prisoners who feel unsafe in wings occupied by younger prisoners hurling abuse, to move to quieter wings or different prisons. It assists prisoners in obtaining suitable jobs in prison so that they can earn privileges and challenge the perception that they are too old, ill or disabled to work.
In 2024-25, older prisoners made up 20% of Advice Line callers, 41% of letter-writers and 29% of Outreach Clinic attendees. 55% of Advice Line callers, 72% of letter writers and 55% of those attending Outreach Clinics self-identified as suffering from a disability, a chronic health condition, mental health issues or learning difficulties. Over the course of the year, PAS’ Community Care Caseworker delivered seven Outreach Clinics in two prisons, seeing 56 prisoners one-to-one, and opened 13 new end-to-end legal cases on behalf of older, ill and disabled prisoners.
Links & Resources
PAS Information Sheets
- Care Act and Resettlement
- Care for Prisoners who are Ill or Disabled
- Disability Discrimination
- Healthcare Complaints
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