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was given. It was found that, in many cases, they were not even
aware of the facilities that were available.
Where necessary, arrangements were made with the London
County Council for the service of a home-help and, in appropriate
cases, hot meals were provided on five days per week by the "mealson-wheels"
service which is operated on behalf of the Council for
the Welfare of Old People. Recreational facilities at Old People's
Clubs were made known and the Welfare Assistants were often able
to advise on the intricate problems concerning pensions, National
Assistance and other benefits.
Where it was necessary, arrangements were also made for
patients to be bathed regularly in the Disinfecting Station or in their
own homes. Not infrequently, clothing was also provided.
On the basis of the assessment made during the first visits,
patients were classified into groups according to the urgency and
frequency of visiting required. It soon became apparent, however,
that the case load of a visitor could not be too great or otherwise the
quality of her work would inevitably suffer. With this in mind,
other means of maintaining contact with old people were sought.
Like many other Boroughs, Bermondsey has initiated a small
workshop scheme but, owing to accommodation difficulties and the
problem of obtaining suitable work, this aspect of welfare has not
been developed to any great extent. Both increased club facilities
and an enlarged workshop are under earnest consideration.

Table III indicates that, although the majority of both men and
women are mobile, the house-bound and bed-bound are by no means
insignificant in numbers, representing 26% of those on the register.
This proportion may appear to be rather high, bearing in mind that
many of these cases have been specifically brought to our notice,
but it has been more or less confirmed when a whole housing estate
has been surveyed.
With the ageing of the population which is occurring, the
problem of catering for these groups, insofar as housing and other
matters are concerned, will inevitably become more serious within
the next few years. The considerable excess of house-bound women
is probably due, in part, to the preponderance of females in the total
population and to the fact that they have a greater life expectancy.
Similarly, these factors will apply to the bed-bound group.