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MEALS FOR OLD PEOPLE
MEALS ON WHEELS
Local authorities are empowered by Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, as
amended by the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1962, to provide meals for old people, and
to charge for such meals provided either by themselves or by a voluntary organisation acting as
their agent.
During 1965 approximately 66,500 meals were provided for the elderly in Camden by the
Hampstead Old People's Welfare Association, the British Red Cross, Women's Voluntary Service,
and the Borough Council, the voluntary bodies being grant aided by the Council. Old people in the
former Holborn and Hampstead areas received meals on four days per week and in the St. Pancras
area on five days per week. From early in 1966 the whole of Camden has been covered by a five day
service, and the possibility of eventually extending it to a seven day service is also under review.
In October 1965 the Council standardised the price of the meals so that old people throughout the
Borough paid lOd per meal.
LUNCHEON CLUBS
There are four luncheon clubs for old people in the Borough, run by the Council, the
Hampstead Old People's Welfare Association, and the Women's Voluntary Service. During 1965
approximately 27,800 meals were served. From November, 1965, responsibility for luncheon clubs
was transferred to the Welfare Department.
MEALS VOUCHERS
Meals vouchers are issued to the elderly (mostly men), who. although active, might not
bother to cook themselves proper food. The vouchers, worth 2s. can be presented at approved
restaurants and help towards the cost of the main dish. Each person receives a supply of vouchers
monthly for each day excepting Saturday and Sunday. During 1965 approximately 7,800 vouchers were
issued; as from November 1965 this service also was taken over by the Welfare Department.
INVALID MEALS
The London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1961, enables a local authority to
provide meals for invalids as well as for the elderly. Until April, 1965, this service was carried
out by the Invalid Meals for London Association, but after that date by the London Borough of
Islington, on behalf of the Council. During 1965 some 25,600 invalid meals were provided to those
in Camden (mostly the elderly), needing an invalid diet.
HOME HELP SERVICE
The number of elderly people living alone and the disproportionately large number of
single person households in Camden emphasises the need for an adequate Home Help Service.
Administratively the Borough is divided into two areas, each with a Home Help Organiser and
deputy, supported by clerical assistants, and the whole service is under the direction of the Principal
Social Worker (Health Services).
The demand for the Home Help Service far exceeds the supply, but every effort is made to
meet all reasonable requests, priority being given to the needs of the elderly frail, maternity cases,
cases of acute illness, and motherless families. Approximately 85 per cent. of clients in receipt
of Home Help Services are over 70 years of age. During 1965, 4,371 households were served by
approximately 200 home helps (full-time equivalent-172). It has so far proved impossible to provide
enough morning and evening home helps, but strenuous efforts have been made to asssist the Children's
Officer when provision of an adequate Home Help Service might prevent the reception of children
into care. Similarly, requests from hospitals to facilitate the discharge of patients have been met
whenever possible.
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