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WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE
At the close of the year, 1,093 persons were on the registers of the
Public Health Department, an increase of 6l over 1953, after due allowance
for removal to other areas, and the inexorable march of the years.
In investigating the circumstances and conditions peculiar to each
aged person, the Council's Officers at all times exercise commendable tact,
and fully appreciate that despite ill-health in many cases, people are
perfectly contented if they can remain in familiar surroundings, and at the
same time be aware that every effort will be made to ensure their well-being.
The Borough Council makes a grant of £450 yearly to the Chelsea Old
People's Welfare Committee, which is representative of and co-ordinates the
activities of voluntary organisations working in this sphere of public
service# It is obviously impossible to refer to all the facilities offered,
but the following matters will illustrate the variety of assistance available
for the well-being of those in need:—
Provision of Hot Meals. This service is efficiently administered by the
Women's Voluntary Services from Monday to Thursday in each week, and during
the year 10,028 meals were delivered, or an average weekly supply of 193.
(The figures for 1953 were 10.302 and 198 respectively). The receipt of hot
meals at a regular hour was welcomed by all concerned. Late in the year, the
London County Council closed down their restaurant in Cadogan Gardens - at
which address the meals were cooked - and it was necessary, without delay, to
secure alternative facilities. Subsequently arrangements were concluded with
a local caterer, and meals are supplied at l/8 per head. Since the changeover
an increase in applications for this facility has been apparent.
Chiropody. 117 persons were recommended for the services of two
qualified chiropodists, as compared with 97 and 86 in the two preceding years.
The number of treatments given totalled 432, a total in excess of previous
years. The increasing demand for this indispensable facility has resulted in
application to the Old People's Welfare Committee for an additional half day
to be set aside monthly, which has enabled a farther sixty persons to be
dealt with, and at the game time markedly reduced the waiting list.
Holidays. The continuance of this scheme resulted in 73 persons having
pleasant stays either at the sea or in the country. In seventeen instances
financial help was given by the Old People's Welfare Committee to persons
considered to be in special need, and only a charge of £1 per person for a
two-weeks holiday was involved. The remaining 56 stayed at holiday homes
controlled by the Women's Holiday Fund. In some instances, transport was
provided to convey people to and from holiday centres, and quite frequently
escorts travelled to and from railway stations. All holidays were arranged
by the Social Worker.
Library and Shopping Facilities continue to be maintained by the
British Red Cross Society, and the weekly visits by their officers are
eagerly awaited by those whose disabilities prevent them getting out and
about. This Society also provides escorts, when necessary, to accompany
persons attending hospital for treatment. Shopping facilities are provided
by the Women's Voluntary Services.