27-05-2025
Prison programme helps elderly inmates with mobility issues reintegrate into society
The Singapore Prison Service's Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders is a rehabilitation programme started in 2023 for seniors with mobility issues. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
SINGAPORE – For seniors who have been incarcerated, reintegrating into society after their release can be a daunting task. Some are estranged from their families, while others struggle to find accommodation or jobs.
For John (not his real name), 75, who is currentl y serving a sentence of two years and six months, a challenge is finding a meaningful way to spend his free time after he returns to society.
He is among a number of prisoners enrolled in the Singapore Prison Service's (SPS) Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders (TMSEO), a rehabilitation programme started in 202 3 for seniors with mobility issues.
It was launched in partnership with Care Community Services Society (CCSS), a social service organisation that provides programmes for individuals in need.
As at April, 80 inmates have attended the programme.
Senior inmates aged 60 and above who reside in the Assisted Living Correctional Unit (ALCU) qualify for the programme.
The ALCU, launched in 2016, comprises cells fitted with amenities such as plastic beds, sitting toilets and grab bars, reserved for inmates with mobility issues.
As at April, there are 65 inmates living in these cells, 35 of whom are aged 65 and above.
Inmates in the TMSEO programme attend group sessions with social workers from CCSS, where they learn skills such as problem-solving through activities and learn to challenge patterns of negative thinking.
The group sessions have an exercise component for senior inmates to encourage active ageing.
Inmates also attend individual counselling sessions, where social workers help them come up with a plan for their release.
'The programme helped me identify what I need to work on when I am released, and it taught me the importance of taking care of my physical health,' John said.
Inmate John in his cell in the assisted living correctional unit block at Changi Prison.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
He added that he has weak knees and is unable to walk long distances. In prison, he uses a wheelchair to move from his cell to the recreation yard twice a week, where he spends time exercising.
Nowadays, he tries to keep himself busy with simple exercises in his cell or reading the newspapers.
After his release in October, John hopes to go on a holiday with his wife.
Inmate John says Singapore Service Prison's Throughcare Management Service for Elderly Offenders programme has helped him identify what he needs to work on upon release.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
The TMSEO programme ensures that senior inmates like John receive a specially tailored correctional programme while serving their sentences and aftercare services upon their release.
These may include helping senior inmates find work or accommodation, or connecting them with active ageing centres to ensure they have adequate social support after release.
Inmates using walking aid and wheelchairs at the recreation area inside Institution A5 at Changi Prison Complex.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Assistant Superintendent Nor Yusdzaidie Bagio, who oversees the planning and delivery of rehabilitation programmes and reintegration services at the Changi Prison Complex, told the media that having extended community engagement with senior inmates helps build rapport with them.
'A big issue is that (elderly inmates) do not have social support after their release, so having a community partner provide them this support really helps with their reintegration into society,' he said, adding that the main issues elderly inmates face are finding accommodation and financial stability.
'While these are common areas of concern for all inmates, what's different for the elderly is that their health might present a challenge when it comes to finding employment. This leads to a spillover effect of helplessness and loss of self-worth,' he said.
Assistant Superintendent Nor Yusdzaidie Bagio says the main issues elderly inmates face are finding accommodation and financial stability.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
By undergoing counselling sessions, these inmates learn how to manage their expectations, and 'age gracefully ', he added.
The assisted living correctional unit inside Institution A5 at Changi Prison Complex.
ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
For older inmates incarcerated for drug offences, ASP Yusdzaidie said part of the TMSEO programme involves creating a relapse plan, which helps inmates understand their triggers and motivations for drug use.
The plan will also guide them on what to do if they face a situation where they are tempted to relapse.
Although the programme is currently available only to elderly inmates residing in the ALCU, ASP Yusdzaidie said there are plans to expand it to older inmates occupying regular cells.
Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat.
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