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45
Miscellaneous Matters.
Care of Old People.
I have reported in previous years on the expansion of the services
for the old people of the Borough, and this work continued during 1964.
A total of 783 visits were made by the Old People's Visitor during the
year, and once again I am pleased to report that it was not necessary
to resort to the compulsory removal of any old person under Section 47
of the National Assistance Act, 1948.
Home Bathing Service.
The Home Bathing Service, which was started in 1962, has proved
be an essential adjunct to the many other services provided for old
people in the Borough. In addition to the actual bathing service, many
visits are made to old people by the three Home Bathing Attendants,
and these visits become a welcome and beneficial interlude in the lives
of the elderly house-bound. The Attendants work in close co-operation
with the Borough Council's Old People's Visitor, who is kept more
readily acquainted with any change in an old person's circumstances or
health.
By the end of 1963 111 old people were on the register for this
service. During the year, 1,756 baths were given, and 2,741 other visits
were made by the Attendants, thus showing the necessity for such a
provision.
Laundry Service for Incontinent Persons.
There is an increasing demand for the Department's Laundry
Service for incontinent persons, and in 1964 9,270 articles were laundered
by the Cleansing Station. This is a vital service in assisting an infirm
old person to remain at home and in relieving some of the burden of
relatives, who are often aged and infirm themselves.
Home Safety Act, 1961: Accidents in the Home.
The Home Safety Act, 1961, repealed and replaced Section 82 of
the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1957. The Act empowers
the Council to promote safety in the home, by publishing or
making other arrangements for giving information or advice relating to
the Prevention of accidents in the home, and to contribute to non-profit
making organisations concerned with the promotion of home safety.
The following tables, compiled from reports made by the London
Ambulance service, indicate the estimated number of accidents occurring
in Battersea homes. Table I shows the number of accidents in 1964 in
age groups; Table II gives the numbers from various causes each year
since 1960.