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WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE
The investigation of the circumstances and living conditions of
each aged person, brought to their notice is undertaken by the Borough
Council's officers. Every effort is made to ensure their well-being,
with due appreciation of the fact that in most instances they prefer
to remain in familiar surroundings.
The importance of regular visiting is fully realised, and greatly
appreciated by the beneficiaries.
At the close of the year 1,147 persons were on the registers of
the Public Health Department.
The Borough Council makes a grant of £450 yearly to the Chelsea
Old People's Welfare Committee, which is representative of and coordinates
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 list illustrates the
variety of assistance available for the well-being of those in needs:-
Provision. of Hot Meals. This service is efficiently administered
by the Women's Voluntary Services from Monday to Friday in each week.
During the year 13,048 meals were delivered, or an average weekly
supply of 250. In 1958 the respective figures were 13,474 and 259.
The receipt of hot meals at a regular hour was welcomed by all
concerned.
Chiropody. 157 persons were recommended for this service
provided by two qualified chiropodists, and the number of treatments
given totalled 500. During the year a clinic was opened entirely
for the use of old age pensioners at the Chelsea Community Centre.
It is staffed by students from the London County Council's main
chiropody clinic in Chelsea. This clinic is very popular and during
the year 209 persons were treated, receiving 1,038 treatments.
Holidays. The continuance of this scheme provided 96 persons
with holidays at the sea or in the country. The majority stayed
at homes controlled by the Women's Holiday Fund, whilst others
stayed for 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. Married couples were
accommodated at various seaside resorts early or late in the summer
at special reduced rates for pensioners offered by the Hotel and
Boarding Associations.
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 who are housebound by their
disabilities. The Society also provides escorts, when necessary, to
accompany persons attending hospital for treatment. Shopping
facilities are provided by the Women's Voluntary Services.