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20
National Assistance Act, 1948.
(а) Section 47 provides for the removal of persons to hospital
who are unable to devote to themselves proper care and attention.
No persons were dealt with during the year.
(b) Section 50 requires a Local Authority to arrange for the burial
or cremation of a person who has died or been found dead, and where
it appears to the Local Authority no suitable arrangements are being
made for the disposal of the body.
The burial of seven persons was dealt with during the year as
follows:—
(1) A female, 80 years, occupied a flat.
(2) A male, 75 years, patient in a nursing home.
(3) A male, 29 years, found hanged.
(4) A male, 59 years, died at own home.
(5) A male, 84 years, patient in a nursing home.
(6) A male, 44 years, patient in a nursing home.
(7) A female, 71 years, patient at Claybury Hospital.
Miss M. J. Copping, Welfare Officer for Old People, reports as
follows:—
"During 1955, 478 cases were dealt with, of which 367 were new cases,
and 876 home visits paid. Visits were also made to various Almoners,
Psychiatric Social Workers, Old People's Homes, Voluntary Organisations,
etc. About 250 interviews with old folk, or their relatives, were conducted
at the Public Health Offices. A large proportion were referred by
relatives who were experiencing some difficulty in caring for a sick or
senile old person residing with them. Other cases were referred by Private
Doctors, Hospital Almoners, National Assistance Board Officers, llford
Social Services Association and other similar bodies.
Of the cases dealt with 56 were admitted to Hospitals, chiefly Langthorne,
and 39 died in Hospital. Deaths at home numbered 48, Four applications
for admission to Hospital supported by the Medical Officer of Health
were unsuccessful and there were many more chronic sick persons who
needed Hospital care, but whose Doctors felt it would be hopeless to apply
because of the shortage of beds. The relatives nursing these persons often
make great sacrifices on their behalf. Some are never able to go out for
a few hours' pleasure and have not had a holiday for many years. Langthorne
Hospital helped by accommodating several of these cases for 2 or
3 weeks while their families went away for a much needed rest.
There is a great need for Convalescent or Holiday Homes which will
accept the over 70's. These often apply for a change of air and scenery,
either free or at a very low cost. They cannot usually undertake a long
journey, often need ground floor bedrooms because they can no longer
climb stairs, and require a little assistance during the night. It is almost
impossible to find anywhere to accommodate them.
Of 32 persons recommended to apply to Essex County Council for
Hostel accommodation, 20 were admitted. Some applicants were deemed
to be unsuitable and others died or became chronic sick during the waiting
period. The period of waiting averages about one year, although priority
is sometimes given to urgent cases.
The most problematic cases are those physically fit but mentally confused.
Whole families are frequently disorganised by someone not certifiable,
but with a mind too disturbed to permit their acceptance by any
Old Folks' Home or Hostel, or unwilling to consent to entering such a
place. When still active they sometimes become a public nuisance and
their families find it impossible to restrain them.
In addition to the work associated with the Public Health Department
about 200 home visits were paid to persons seeking consideration for one
of the Stoneleigh Court flats. Many others were interviewed, and while
some were obviously unsuitable or not eligible, the majority would have
benefited by the special facilities offered. Applications are still being
received.
A large amount of correspondence was dealt with during the year,
and hundreds of telephone enquiries handled.