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(22)
OLD PEOPLES WELFARE.
Figures available show that people live to an advanced age in Fulham
and as the provisions for them become better known, so increasing numbers
of old people are brought to the notice of the Public Health Department.
This year the number of visits made was much in excess of last year, increasing
from 379 in 1950 to 816 in 1951.
The initial ascertainment visits may be difficult and protracted.Old
people are often suspicious of visitors, slow to react and stubbornly independent.
A sensitive and gentle approach is essential to acquire the
necessary particulars regarding their relatives, friends and private
resources.
These visits often reveal the most appalling squalor and self-negLect
and although old people may be very independent by nature, they are often
found to be living in insanitary conditions, sometimes so gravely ill or
infirm that they are not able to devote proper care and attention to
themselves or, receiving no help from others, become a source of injury
to health or trouble to their neighbours. Removal to a Home or Hospital
is then necessary.
In such circumstances they are sympathetically advised to enter a
home or hospital for their own good. Persuasion, if sometimes difficult,
is well repaid when they voluntarily agree to make a change and settle
down happily in their new surroundings. The numbers persuaded to enter
homes and hospitals testify to the success of these methods; twenty -five
cases being voluntarily removed to Homes and eighty-five to Hospitals in
the year under review.
When persuasion fails it may be necessary to resort to statutory action
under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, hy applying
for a Magistrate's Order for compulsory removal. If at all possible or
desirable, a further trial at home is given to the old people. The
necessary domiciliary and social services co-operate in the effort. Home
Helps are arranged, Meals on Wheels, Home Nursing and also the help of
supplementary grants of money to enable the purchase of clothing, bedding
etc. Friendly visits to the old folk by voluntary visitors of various
associations are a real help in combating loneliness.