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Outings
The provision by the British Red Cross Society of a minibus capable
of carrying 8 infirm old people has been a means of providing a glimpse of
the outside world and companionship to over 100 old people who would otherwise
have remained almost completely housebound. This service has helped
them to realise that they are not forgotten and can still remain in touch
with life around them and which is of tremendous psychological value.
Each of the four Clubs held their annual outgoings to the sea and 4
additional invitations from the Women's Institutes and the Rotary Club enabled
a further 200 pensioners who were not club members to enjoy a day in the
country.
Hospital Admissions and Institutional Care
Excellent relations exist between this Department and the local
hospitals, especially St. Luke's Hospital for the elderly and chronic sick,
who admit all patients with the minimum of waiting and whose Almoners are
most co-operative over problem cases.
Every effort is made by the Old People's Welfare services to maintain
old people in their own homes as long as possible with the result that only
15 people were admitted to Homes during the year and in no case was it
necessary to take action under statutory powers.
However, the following case is indicative of some of the problems which
are found when dealing with old people:-
Mr and Mrs X (both over 70 years) - It had been necessary to place Mr. X in
hospital on two previous occasions but his third admission became necessary
to ensure his safety as Mrs X was becoming increasingly senile and had nearly
gassed them both on one occasion. The Gas Board was called in and provision
of a safety gas burner was advised and installed.
A Home Help was asked to visit Mrs. X but unfortunately she was always
turned away and in the end it needed a good deal of persuasion before Mrs. X
would allow her entry.
It was necessary for the Welfare Officer personally to take Mrs. X
to the Cleansing Station for regular bathing and also to the Foot Clinic for
treatment. She was also supplied with fresh clothing to ensure that she was
reasonably clean.
Meals were provided but had to be heated by the Home Help or the Welfare
Officer to make sure the old lady had one good meal a day. Arrangements were
also made to collect Mrs. X's pension every week.
In spite of these services, it finally became necessary to persuade
Mrs. X to enter a Home, where she is occasionally able to visit her husband in
hospital.