Increasing Access to Integrative Healthcare for Older, Formerly Incarcerated People
Chanda Williams, PhD
The aging population in the United States is rapidly diversifying; however, significant health disparities persist among older adults from marginalized communities. Formerly incarcerated individuals represent one of the most vulnerable subgroups, disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions, premature aging, stigma, and limited access to quality healthcare. The lasting impacts of structural inequities, systemic discrimination, and trauma worsen these disparities. Despite these challenges, there remains a notable gap in research examining the role of integrative health (IH) modalities in enhancing the health and well-being of this population. This study leverages existing research and seeks to address a critical need to reduce health disparities and promote health equity (HE) for aging formerly incarcerated individuals recently released from prison.
This pilot study will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of trauma-informed IH modalities for recently released (within the last 12 months) formerly incarcerated adults aged 50 years and older. Participants will engage in an eight-week intervention incorporating yoga and meditation tailored to their unique needs. The study will assess the feasibility of data collection in self-reported stress, chronic pain, and quality of life, as well as participants’ perceptions of the interventions’ relevance and effectiveness. The long-term goal is to develop and scale IH interventions that are accessible, effective, and culturally relevant for structurally vulnerable populations.
The Health Harms of Competency Waitlists for Individuals with Dementia
Kate LeMasters, PhD and Erin McCauley, PhD, MEd, MA
Older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are at high risk of experiencing a particularly labyrinthine carceral process: incarceration pending a determination of their competency to stand trial, or their capacity to function in a legal proceeding. Competency is raised when a neurodegenerative condition (e.g., dementia) or mental illness prevents an individual from making reasoned decisions and participating in their defense. The competency system was built for those with mental illness, but due to our country’s aging population, those with dementia are now subsumed in a carceral system that was not built for them.
The competency process ushers individuals with dementia into a subpar carceral healthcare system that worsens health through delayed healthcare, stress and trauma, and poor conditions. Yet, little is understood about the scope of this form of incarceration for those with dementia, the reasons for competency waitlist placement, the length of time and conditions of confinement for those on this list, and how this experience affects health. This research aims to develop an understanding of the competency waitlist experience for those with dementia and how it shapes dementia symptom severity and overall health in Denver, Colorado, an area where this issue is particularly pressing—between 2004 and 2013, Colorado experienced a 500% increase in hospital referrals for pretrial competency evaluations.