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Without special authority from the Health Committee in each individual
case, provided a general authority to act is given. Such general authority
has been given by the Council to the Medical Officer of Health and his
Deputy.
Care of the Aged.
The care of old people living alone continues to demand special
attention. No difficulty arises while they remain physically able to
attend to their personal needs and to maintain the home in a satisfactory
factory condition. In this respect, interests outside the home serve a
useful purpose. For example, many old folk in Battersea are members
of old people's clubs and derive benefit, both directly and indirectly,
from regular attendance at club meetings. On the other hand, when
an old person takes no interest in clubs and dislikes going out or
rece iving visitors there is always a risk that, sooner or later, with the
onset of physical disability a deterioration may develop in the old
Person's general standards. At this stage much may still be accomplished
by relatives and by the various domiciliary services.
Nevertheless, the care of frail old people during the night is always
a source of anxiety when it is not possible for attendants to maintain
Constant vigilance, and no campaign against accidents in the home can
be considered complete without due regard to this aspect of the
Problem.
Use of Slipper Baths by Old Age Pensioners.
On the 30th January, 1952, the Council decided to make available
to the old pensioners free use of the slipper baths at their Baths
Establishments (with use of a towel) on production of their pension
books. This facility has now been extended to blind persons.

Burial of Deceased Persons.
Und er Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the Council
are responsible for the burial or cremation of the body of any person
dying, or being found dead, in the Borough, and have power to recover
from the es tate of the deceased person, or from any person who, under
the Act, Was liable to maintain the deceased immediately prior to his
death, their expenses incurred in carrying out the duty, in so far as
these expenses are not covered by any grant made under the National
Insurance Act, 1946.
during the year, 5 cases were dealt with.
The burials arranged by the Council are carried out by a local
undertaker under contract, and not more than one coach is provided
for followers. The Health Department make the arrangements and
collect all available information regarding any estate left by the deceased.
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