Oversight board flags growing older inmate population and rising medical needs

During the director's report, Mr. Kratz highlighted a demographic change in the facility: an increasing number of older inmates who require greater medical attention.

"We have 110 inmates in our custody today that are over 60 years old," Kratz said, noting two inmates over 80 and several in their 70s. He warned that an aging population will increase medical needs and hospital trips: in August the facility logged 21 emergency-room runs and 42 hospital days for the month, with 91 total hospital admissions year to date.

Board members asked whether those older inmates are waiting for competency determinations, on violation status, or otherwise stuck in custody; Kratz said he will begin tracking charges and status for the 60-to-70 cohort and focus first on people 70 and over to determine whether they are stuck awaiting competency or discharge planning.