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22
WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE
As the year drew to a close, the register disclosed that one thousand
and eighty-seven persons were, in one or more instances, availing themselves
of the numerous services readily offered by the Old People's Welfare
Committee which is representative of and co-ordinates the activities of
voluntary organisations engaged in this sphere of public service. The
Borough Council makes an annual grant of £450 to the Committee for its work.
The problems and circumstances peculiar to people of advanced age are
given every attention by the Council's Officers, and it is fully appreciated
that whilst, in many instances, infirmity or ill-health would make it advisable
for such persons to receive institutional care, the fact that they can
remain in their homes does make for a measure of happiness, and wherever
possible, their wishes are respected and necessary nursing arrangements mads.
It is not possible to fully detail the facilities afforded, but the
following comments will give an impression of the diversity of the aims of
the Old People's Welfare Committee.
Hot Meals. This service is efficiently administered by the Woman's
Voluntary Services. Meals are supplied from Monday to Thursday in each
week, and during the year delivery of 11,193 was made - a weekly average of
215. In 1954 the respective figures were 10,028, and 193. The provision of
hot meals has always been greatly appreciated by the recipients.
Chiropody. One hundred and thirty-eight persons were recommended for
the services provided by two qualified chiropodists, as compared with 117
and 97 in the two preceding years. This facility is in great demand and
there has been, for some time, a waiting list for treatment. During the year
429 treatments were carried out.
Holidays. It has long been understood that elderly people do not feel
able to make arrangements for holidays; it has to be recorded, however,
that with the removal of such a responsibility, one hundred and eighteen
persons enjoyed very pleasant and quiet holidays either by the sea or in the
country during the year. The majority stayed at homes controlled by the
Women's Holiday Fund, whilst others had one or two weeks' at the Lloyd Thomas
Home of Rest at Highgate. On occasion they were transported to and from their
homes, and not infrequently escorts accompanied them between their residences
and railway stations.
A. Library and Shopping scheme is operated by the British Red Cross
Society whose weekly visits to persons unable to get out and about are eagerly
anticipated. Where it becomes necessary for anyone to attend hospital for
treatment every endeavour is made to provide escorts. The Women's Voluntary
Services also assist with shopping facilities.
The problem of securing Hospital accommodation for the chronic sick is
fraught with difficulties, but the cordial and sympathetic relationship
prevailing between helpers and hospital authorities has resulted in seventyeight
men and women gaining admission to hospitals in the area. It was
gratifying to learn that the patient consideration of hospital rehabilitation
officers was rewarded by a number of persons being able to return to their
homes and take up the threads of a normal life once again.