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baths, but could bath themselves in their own homes with
the assistance of a visiting bathing attendant. Many of
these people were already receiving 'Meals-on-Wheels',
home help services, etc., and it was felt that the facility
of a home bathing service would be an additional factor
in the prevention of deterioration.
Tnis commenced towards the end of the year, and has
gradually expanded as adequate transport for the carrying
of equipment, and the services of a bathing attendant
became available. This innovation is proving to be well
worthwhile. The King George VI Club for housebound old
people, among its many valuable activities, also provides
bathing facilities on the club premises.
Visiting
The appointment by the Council of two state registered
nurses to undertake the visiting of old people has proved
to be of inestimable benefit. During 1961, these visitors
paid 837 visits to old people, in addition to those in
connection with infectious diseases and other cases. By
close liaison with other statutory and voluntary bodies
such as the L.C.C. Home Help Department, health visitors,
the U.G.S. Settlement, the W.V.S., the Camberwell Old
People's Welfare Association, almoners of local hospitals,
general practitioners, and so on, a comprehensive register
of old people in Camberwell is gradually being compiled.
Cases referred by any of these agencies, as well as those
notified by relatives, friends and neighbours, are visited
promptly. Any services already being received are carefully
recorded and an endeavour made to arrange for the provision
of any further assistance they may need. They are re-visited
as often as may be necessary to ensure that they are as
healthy and comfortable as possible. This enables the
Council's visitors to note any deterioration in their
condition which may not otherwise be discovered, and by
speedy reference to their general practitioners, early
treatment is established. This has often prevented further
deterioration and forestalled the necessity for hospital
treatment; it has also reduced to a minimum the number of
cases which would ultimately have been dealt with under
Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948; in fact,
it did not become necessary to make use of these compulsory
powers during the year under review.
One of the major problems with old people today is
loneliness. Many of them are reluctant to take advantage