View report page

27
In 78 cases, action was taken under the section. The bedding was
marked, laundered at the Council's disinfecting station and returned to the
old people. The scheme works smoothly and appears to fill a much felt want.
Prom stocks of bedding held, the Council are able to supply linen and
bedding on loan to old people while their own is being laundered, and where
possible voluntary organisations are asked to undertake replacements of much
worn articles.
During the year 1,728 separate collections of laundry were made
under this scheme, and the number of articles cleansed totalled 21,001.
Library Facilities
The Libraries Committee authorise the provision of books for old
people confined to their homes. The circulation of the books was effected
by the Women's Voluntary Services mobile library.
Chiropody
The London County Council, with the approval of the Minister of
Health, extended their functions under Section 28 of the National Health
Service Act, 1946, to include a chiropody service, giving priority to the
needs of old people, the physically handicapped and expectant mothers. They
make a grant to the Kensington Old People's Welfare Committee for the purpose
of enabling the provision of a chiropody service for housebound old people.
The Kensington branch of the British Red Cross Society accepted
responsibility for the complete administration of the service in the borough.
Meals Service
The arrangements for meals either delivered to old people in their
homes or in canteens were continued with great success by the Women's
Voluntary Services in conjunction with the Kensington Communal Services
Committee.
The Women's Voluntary Services undertake the work of verifying the
bona fides of applicants, arrange delivery of meals at the homes of old
people, and collect the money (l0d. per meal). The Kensington Communal
Services Committee supply the meals and the vehicles for delivery. More than
60,000 meals were supplied during the year.
The net deficiencies of the scheme (after crediting subsidies from
the London County Council and grants from the Kensington Council) have been
met to date by the Kensington Communal Services Committee. As from 1st
April, 1963, the Council assumed responsibility for the subsidies hitherto
paid by the London County Council.
Under Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the Council
have power to make grants to voluntary bodies undertaking the supply of
meals to old people and grants of approximately £4,000 were made to the
Kensington Communal Services Committee for 1964/65.
Visiting
The Council's women health officers visit old people brought to
their notice. A comprehensive record system is kept of old people in the
borough including personal particulars, environmental conditions and
special needs. The local voluntary organisations supply records of old
people whom they help and every endeavour is made to keep this information
up-to-date.
The following is a summary of the work carried out by the
Council's women health officers in connection with the care of old people
during the year 1964:-
The following is a summary of the work carried out by the
Council's women health officers in connection with the care of old people
during the year 1964:-