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15
Compulsory powers for removing old people to a hospital or hostel are only used when absolutely
necessary and then only after all other possibilities have been fully explored.
Two cases were removed under the National Assistance Acts, 1948 and 1951.
Mr. E.M., aged 83 years lived in a flat with his landlady Mrs. B., also aged 83 years. Mrs. B. was
ill in bed and was awaiting admission to hospital. Mr. E.M. was sitting in a chair wrapped in a blanket and
was suffering from bronchitis and gangrene of the leg. He was incontinent, and in a filthy condition and
refused to go to hospital. There was a foul odour in the room which was in a filthy condition. Mrs. B.'s
sister, aged 70, lived in Hampstead and was looking after her until she could be admitted to hospital, but she
was unable to look after Mr. E.M. because she was also unwell. An order under the National Assistance
(Amendment) Act, 1951, was obtained from a Justice of the Peace on the 23rd February and Mr. E.M. was
removed to Neasden Hospital the same day. He died four days later.
Mr. S.S. aged 51 years, lived alone in a small cottage. He was blind and had tuberculous disease
of the hip. In February, 1959 Mr. S.S., a chain smoker, set fire to his cottage causing severe damage and
rendering it unfit for human habitation. He was persuaded to enter Percy House, Isleworth, as a voluntary
patient. In July he returned and entered by breaking a staple on the door. The windows were boarded up,
and there was no gas or electricity, furniture or other amenities. He refused to leave and an order under the
National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951, was obtained from a Justice of the Peace and he was removed
to Redhill House.
An application for an extension of the Order was made in August and this was granted for three
months. Mr. S.S. returned to his cottage when the order expired; repairs had commenced but could not
be continued whilst he was in occupation. He was fit after his detention at Redhill House and had his
meals at local cafes, refusing any kind of assistance. His condition slowly deteriorated and on the
24th December a further order under the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951, was obtained and he
was again removed to Redhill House. On the 7th January he was transferred to Shenley Hospital by the
Duly Authorised Officer in accordance with an order made under section 16 of the Lunacy Act, 1890.
Laundry for the Aged
The care of incontinent old people places a heavy burden on their relatives. The washing of soiled
bed linen and night clothes, particularly in cramped accommodation in winter, with inadequate facilities for
drying, adds another intolerable strain on relatives which finally convinces them that the only place where
the old people can receive reasonable care is in an institution. One way of postponing this unpopular event
is to do their laundry.
In April, 1952, the Council organised a laundry service for incontinent old people free of charge
under section 84 of the Public Health Act, 1936. The articles are laundered and ironed at a cost of 4£d.
per lb. at the Neasden Hospital by arrangement with the Central Middlesex Group Hospital Management
Committee, and transport is provided by the Borough Council.
The service has continued to be greatly appreciated by old people and their relatives.

Voluntary services for the aged
The '49' Club organised by the Willesden Old Folks' Association celebrated its seventh anniversary
in February. The Club has a membership of more than 450 and is open daily from 1.30 to 10 p.m.
The Council made a grant of £350 to the Association's funds. Several firms gave donations and
additional money was raised by a flag day. 200 members and helpers went for a day trip to Southend in
July.
Voluntary visitors visited 40 old people weekly or fortnightly. Lonely housebound old people greatly
appreciate the services which include shopping, reading, general conversation, and tidying the room.
At Christmas the visitors took 5/- each to 65 old people and a Christmas dinner from the Association
to 64. The Willesden Youth Committee, the Stonebridge Mothers' Club and pupils of the Kensal Rise
Boys' School contributed towards the cost of the dinners. A Christmas party was held at Anson Hall,
Cricklewood, and was very successful. 315 people attended and were given a high tea, an entertainment, and
2/-. Grants were also made to other organisations to help them arrange their own parties. 31 parcels of food
for distribution to the housebound were given by Malorees School after Harvest Thanksgiving.
The chiropody service is in greater demand. 346 people attended the four chiropodists in Kilburn,
Harlesden, Kensal Rise and Willesden Green areas for periodic treatment during the year. New applicants
receive initial treatment and are then placed on the register for periodic visits. In addition, 200
housebound people had treatment in their own homes. A charge of 2/- is made for treatment and the
Association pays 4/6d., the balance of the charge. The Willesden Old People's Welfare Committee made
a grant of £250 towards the cost of treatment, which in 1959 cost the Association more than £350.
On the recommendation of the Welfare Officer, free coal was supplied to old people who could not
afford it, and financial assistance was given to several of the housebound for their wireless licences.