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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 happy relationship between the Council's officers and
hospital authorities brought about the admission of 105 men and women
during the year. It is pleasing to record that the patient efforts of
hospital rehabilitation departments have resulted in people returning to
their homes ready to live normal lives again.
Institutional care became necessary for 22 persons, most of
whom settled down quite readily to a communal life. However, it must
be stressed that a change of environment frequently entails considerable
effort and tact.
The Women's Voluntary Services and other kind donors have continued
to dispense much needed clothing to recommended cases, and 266 persons
were helped in this manner during the year as compared with 248 in 1957.
Many people are found to be in enfeebled condition , and therefore
unable to properly look after themselves. In such cases, personal
cleansing is arranged. At the same time rooms are cleansed and
superfluous items disposed of.
The Council's Social Worker made 1,812 visits to cases on the
Council's registers. In a considerable number of cases visits were made
to people whilst they were in hospital. It must be pointed out that many
visits are of a protracted nature, and lead to the making of a variety
of enquiries, the completing of which cannot be duly recognised.
Christmas Dinners. Through the kindness of voluntary subscribers
and a working committee, sufficient funds were secured to provide 500
housebound and lonely old folk with a three-course Xmas dinner, a
miniature bottle of brandy, sweets, biscuits, and "a shilling for the
gas". The entire distribution was carried out on Christmas Eve.
A laundry service has been inaugurated by the Council with the
valued co-operation of Fulham Borough Council. Soiled linen is
collected twice weekly from the homes of incontinent persons, and
delivered to Fulham's disinfecting station where it is laundered and
later collected for return to those using the scheme. During the year
31 persons have so benefited, and some 6,604 pounds of bedding, etc., have
been laundered.
As a form of preventive medicine and to increase sociability
amongst old people, Old Time Dancing Classes have been commenced and run