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Care of the Aged
The care of the aged infirm and sick is still a major problem to all
concerned Information of the conditions under which old people are living in
the borough is obtained from many sources general practitioners, health
visitors, home helps county welfare officer sanitary inspectors Old People's
Welfare Organiser and the general public. Many queries from the public arise
where the aged person is living in the same house and not a member of the
family In a few cases perhaps the main object of enquiry or complaint is to
shed responsibility Investigation of the majority shows however, that
efforts have been made to cope with the situation and appeal to the Health
Department only comes when real and genuine difficulties exist ;
In all instances a visit is paid and the needs of the case assessed
Additional information required is obtained from any of the many other sources
mentioned above. In some cases assistance can be given to alleviate the condition
by the appropriate contacts This may suffice and ease the lot of the
old person and those looking after him or it may be merely a temporary measure
until such time as admission to a home or hospital can be arranged
The good relationship between the department and the geriatric unit at St.
Ann's General Hospital, Tottenham has been maintained . Environmental reports
concerning aged persons on the hospital waiting list are forwarded to the
hospital authorities to assist them in assessing priorities In addition
cases needing urgent admission which come to the notice of the department are
reported to the hospital whose co operation in admitting them early has always
been forthcoming.