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(25)
OLD PEOPLES' WELFARE
An increasing proportion of time is spent by the Department in dealing
with the problems of old people. It is interesting to observe by reference
to the following figures and the diagram on population trends (page 26) how
rapidly the proportion of old people is increasings:-
In 1851 there were 47 people aged 65 for every 1000 population.
,, 1891 " " 48 " " " " " " "
" 1911 " " 53 " " " " " " "
" 1939 " " 89 " " " " " " "
" 1947 " " 105 " " " " " " "
and it is estimated that
" 1977 " will be 160 people aged 65 for every 1000 population.
During the year 975 visits were paid to aged persons, 232 of which
were primary visits and 743 re-inspections. Many of these old persons were
removed on a voluntary basis to hospitals, institutions and private homes
while the majority were able, through liaison with the various voluntary
and statutory social services, to continue living in their own homes under
very much better conditions. In only one case was it necessary to remove
an old person compulsorily under the National Assistance (Amendment) Act,1951.
It is a pleasure to record that the Fulham Housing Improvement Society
Ltd. have acquired premises on Putney Hill to be known as the Fulham Old
Peoples' Home. These premises which have been modernised and adapted to
suit the particular requirements of old people has accommodation for 35
residents of both sexes.
A typical example of one of the old persons dealt with is as follows:
Reported by the landlord to be living alone in a top floor back room,
an old lady (aged 84) was found on a broken-down bed. Her mouth was festered
with sores. She was unable to eat and was in a weak and enfeebled
condition. It was found that she had been ill for some days and was not on
a doctor's list. The nearest local general practitioner promptly visited
on request, and the patient was removed to hospital.
Discharged after treatment, new bedding and personal clothing were
supplied, a Home Help cleaned and prepared the room, and arrangements were
made for the service of regular meals from the Invalid Kitchens.
This patient has now made a remarkable recovery. She takes a new
interest in life and looks forward to her daily routine with zest. On a
recent visit the room was found to be spotlessly clean.