WCF Geriatric & Cognitive Care Unit Preview
by
David Thompson
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last modified
Mar 29, 2023 10:25 AM
Winfield Correctional Facility unveiled its new 240-bed specialized unit providing geriatric care, a substance abuse treatment program, and a training program open for residents who wish to become certified as a CNA aide to help with care of fellow elderly residents. An Open House was held 2-17-23 and 30 residents will be moved in on a weekly basis beginning 2-28-23 until the unit is full.
After three-plus years of consideration, planning and renovation the wait is almost over. Last Friday as Winfield Correctional Facility, we unveiled the new 240-bed specialized unit providing geriatric care, a substance abuse treatment program, and a training program open for residents who wish to become certified as a CNA aide to help with care of their fellow elderly residents.
It’s estimated that there are 10-thousand people in our country everyday who are turning -65-. In our culture today, we are living longer but that doesn’t guarantee we are living healthy. And we see that in our population as well. In 2013, there were 182 residents aged 65-and-above, roughly 2% of the general population. In 2022, that number is up to -344- or roughly 5% of the population. As our elderly population has grown, so has the number of cases involving Dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases. This dedicated unit will help us manage the special needs of our growing elderly population while also helping many others with substance abuse.
We believe the bigger picture is that increased mental health and substance abuse treatment will cut the number of people who enter our facilities as well as those who return once they’re released. At the end of this month, we will begin moving 30 residents a week to Winfield until the unit is full.
