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34
BATHING FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY
PUBLIC BATHS
Old people may obtain without charge, a hot bath at the Fulham Baths on Tuesdays and
Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
I am informed by the Baths Manager, Mr. R.C. Gerred, M.N.A.B.S., M.I.Mar.E., thet 140/150
persons a week take advantage of these facilities.
HOME BATHING
This service was commenced in April, 1954. It has proved immensely popular and not
unduly costly.
Number of baths given during 1964 3981
Number of persons receiving baths at end of year 239
Number of persons on waiting list at end of year 4
At the end of the year there were five part-time female attendants engaged on this work paid
on a sessional basis. It is not easy to recruit suitable ladiesfor this work. They need to be
physically strong, patient, kind and gentle and imbued with a desire to be of service to old people
Authority exists to increase the number employed as there is an increasing demand for the service
S.O.S. CARD SCHEME
The S.O.S. Card Scheme was started in August, 1953, with the object of getting help
quickly to elderly people in emergency. 142 cards have been issued since the scheme started.
Two cards was issued in 1964.
OLD PEOPLE'S LAUNDRY
(Section 122 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936)
SERVICE FOR INCONTINENT PERSONS
This scheme which provides for the cleansing of linen and bedding of aged, infirm and
incontinent persons has now been in operation for over ten years. It is of very great benefit, both
to the persons themselves and to the relatives or other persons who are looking after them. The
work is carried out at the Disinfecting Station where modern equipment enables the staff to deal
quickly and efficiently with the work.