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45
WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE
The circumstances and conditions peculiar to people of advanced age
are under constant investigation by the Council's officers. Understandably,
and despite, in many instances, infirmity, it is found that such persons are
quite happy if they can stay in their homes surrounded by their private
possessions, and to this end efforts are made to ensure their comfort.
An annual grant of £350 is made bv the Borough Council to the Chelsea
Old People's Welfare Committee which is representative of and co-ordinates
the activities of voluntary organisations engaged in this sphere of public
service.
At the close of the year, 1,032 persons were on the Council's list,
as compared with 934 at the end of 1952. Every effort was made to ensure
that all needs were mat to the full. The following brief comments will give
some indication of the wide variety of services available:-
Provision of Hot Meals. This service Is efficiently administered by
the Women's Voluntary Services from Monday to Thursday in each week. In
1952, the average weekly distribution was 260, a figure which represented
the maximum attainable with equipment available. Last year, 10,302 meals
were delivered to the homes of old people, an average of 198 per week; of
this total, 170 were new cases. Recipients were most appreciative of these
meals, which arrived at their homes hot, and were therefore ready for
immediate consumption owing to the installation of the "Hotlock" system in
each "Meals on Wheels" van. If this service was not in operation, it is
quite certain that a high percentage of those now enjoying hot meals would
merely consume what would be considered as "make do" meals.
Chiropody 97 persons (86 in 1952) were recommended for the services
of 2 qualified chiropodists, receiving 376 treatments, an increase of 7
over the number given in 1952. This facility is in great demand, and there
is a waiting list for this valuable domiciliary service.
Holidays. Pleasant holidays arranged by the Honorary Secretary of the
Chelsea Old People's Welfare Committee were much enjoying by 61 persons,
chosen for their special need of a change of air and surroundings, at a
minimum cost of £1 per person for 2 weeks' holiday, the main expense being
borne by the Chelsea Old. People's Welfare Committee. The majority stayed
at homes controlled by the Women's Holiday Fund, and others had a restful
stay at the Lloyd Thomas Home of Rest, Highgate. In the latter case,
transport was provided to take them to and from their hemes.
Library and Shopping facilities are maintained by the British Red Cross
Society whose weekly visits are gratefully appreciated by those who are unable
to get out or can only do so with great difficulty. The Society also provides
escorts, when necessary, for sick persons to proceed for treatment at hospitals.
Shopping facilities are also provided by the Women's Voluntary Services.