BOP Program Statement 5241.01 § 3

Aging offenders may have needs that are different from their younger peers. They frequently

deal with increased needs related to health care, physical and cognitive accommodations,

mobility, sensory deficiencies, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, maintaining family contact, end

of life and palliative care.

■ Central Office

a. The Women and Special Populations Branch (WASPB) is responsible for ensuring

consistent establishment of the programs, services, and resource allocations for

necessary accommodations for aging offenders. This will be done in accordance with

all laws, rules and regulations.

b. The Health Services Division is responsible for establishment and oversight of all

health related clinical care/services and health-related matters.

■ Regional Offices

a. Provide oversight to institutions regarding services and other relevant trends related to

managing aging offenders.

■ Institutions

a. Considering safety and security, ensure the cell assignments of aging offenders are

consistent with their physical abilities and limitations, e.g., access to lower tier cells,

lower bunk passes, and wheelchair accessible cells.

b. When applicable, assign cells, assistance devices, and other supportive services to

allow aging offenders to easily navigate to key areas of the institution (e.g., Health

Services, Food Service, Commissary, Education, and Recreation).

c. Offer age-specific programming opportunities in key areas as outlined in the First

Step Act Approved Programs Guide located on the Bureau’s intranet.

d. Ensure recreational and educational activities offered at the institution include

activities appropriate for and of interest to aging offenders.

e. As available, offer aging offenders the opportunity to serve in a mentorship role in

reentry programs.

f. Implement Inmate Companion Programs to assist aging offenders with activities of

daily living, as appropriate.

P5241.01 4/14/2022 3

g. Ensure adequate resources and information are available to meet the wellness needs

of aging offenders (e.g., recreational activities, health fairs, and other resource

materials).

h. Ensure the availability of accommodations frequently required for aging offenders

(e.g., wheelchairs, canes, hearing aids, glasses, text magnifiers, large print

books/signs, and assistive devices).

i. Conduct, at a minimum, an annual inspection of the institution grounds and buildings

to identify infrastructure problems that would impede offenders aging in place from

accessing programs and services despite the provision of accommodations as outlined

in Section 8 of this Program Statement. The inspection team will consist of

management personnel from the following departments: Health Services, Facilities,

Occupational Safety and Health, and Correctional Services. The institution Executive

staff may appoint additional members as applicable. This annual inspection will

serve as the planning meeting to identify issues when considering proposals for

gaining aging accommodation projects.

j. Facilities with 5% or more elderly and aging offenders will consider establishing an

Aging Offender Interdisciplinary Care Team to manage aging offenders as clinically

indicated consisting of the Associate Warden with oversight of the Health Services

Department, Clinical Director or designee, a Psychologist, Supervisor of Recreation,

Unit Manager, Special Populations Coordinator (if the position is filled), and Captain.

k. Convene a local Aging Offender Committee as described in Section 9 of this Program

Statement.

Accommodations for aging offenders for age related or other needs will be made following the

guidelines in the Program Statement Management of Inmates With Disabilities and clinical

guidance.