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home. During 1962, 23 cases received this service which
involved 123 visits, but by the end of the year the
demand was increasing rapidly.
Cleansing of Soiled Linen
In cases where old people are incontinent and there
is no other person available in the house to undertake
the cleansing and washing of soiled bed linen and
clothing, arrangements are made for this to be collected
and treated at the Council's Disinfecting and Cleansing
Station. Normally, this service is provided twice weekly
for each patient. Fifty-four cases were dealt with during
the year which involved the washing of 12,224 articles.
Employment Scheme for the Elderly
The Centre set up at Cambridge House in 1960 continued
to operate most successfully throughout the year. Members
were referred by the Camberwell Old People's Welfare
Association, general practitioners, hospitals, old
peoples' Clubs and the Council's visitors. At the end of
the year 54 persons were attending in two sessions.
The membership is, of course, constantly changing.
Some leave to take up full-time or part-time employment,
others have ceased to attend for health reasons or because
the journey from their home is becoming too much for them,
and, inevitably, some members die.
The Meals Club at the Centre is a popular and
attractive feature and there is no doubt that the members
benefit from a regular and well-cooked hot midday meal,
particularly during the cold weather.
The Council's Visitors maintain a close liaison with
the Organiser and when members fail to attend for several
days without known reason, arrangements are made for them
to be visited to see if they are in need of assistance
of any kind.
The activities of the Centre received considerable
publicity during the year which included an article and
photographs in the Press and a recorded broadcast in the
B.B.C. Home Service programme. In addition, British
Movietone News have made a film of the workroom activities.