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OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE.
The extent of tha problem.
According to the 1951 census there were in Fulham.
11,800 people aged 55-64.
14,000 do. do. 65 and over.
It is estimated that by 1977 one person in 5 of the population will
be over 65 years of age. The welfare of the elderly is therefore an
increasing and extending social service.
Facilities available.
There are many voluntary societies and bodies, as well as private
individuals, actively working for the care of the aged. The Fulham Old
People's Welfare Committee co-ordinates all their splendid efforts and
has representatives from the Borough Council and other official bodies.
In 1954 the Borough Council made a grant of £1,650 towards the
Fulham Old People's Welfare Committee. Of the many facilities available
through the Old People's Welfare Committee, only a few are mentioned,
e.g.
W.V.S. Meals on Wheels.
Formerly provided through the London County Council and now provided
by a private contractor, the high standard of the meals supplied under
this Service has been maintained. The average number of meals per week
is 326.9.
Invalid Kitchen of London Meals Service.
The number of meals provided to the housebound under this service
totalled 9,619 for the 26 weeks period September 1954 to February 1955«
Those able to visit the kitchen can have a meal on the premises.
Chiropody o
A Clinic is held on alternate weeks at the British Red Cross Office
and at Bishop Creighton House. These facilities are greatly in
demand and there is a waiting list.
Holidays,
A holiday scheme has been in exist4iee in Fulham for several
years. whereby old age pensioners save up to enjoy a holiday by the sea
of one or two weeks in May or September. Coach travel is arranged to
the destination. In September last 92 elderly folk went on holiday, and