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WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE.
At the close of the year, 1,038 persons were on the registers of the
Public Health Department.
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 annually 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 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. Meals are supplied from Monday to Friday,
and during the year delivery of 12,570 was made - weekly average of 241. In
1955 the respective figures were 11,193, and 215. The provision of hot
meals has always been greatly appreciated by the recipients.
Chiropody. 130 persons were recommended for the services provided
by two qualified chiropodists, as compared with 138 and 117 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 493 treatments
were carried out.
Holidays. The continuance of this scheme resulted in 116 persons
having pleasant stays either at the sea or in the country. 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, In some
instances, transport was provided to convey people to and from holiday
centres, and quite frequently escorts travelled to and from railway
stations.
Library and Shopping Facilities continued 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.
Difficulty in securing hospital accommodation for the chronic sick
continues, but the good relationship between the Council's officers and
hospital authorities brought about the admission of 95 men and women during
the year. It is pleasing to record that the patient efforts of hospital