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WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY
At 1st January, 1970, the number of elderly persons shown on the
register was 4,592. This figure represents an amalgamation of the
register of elderly persons receiving visits from the social welfare
officers and the register of case enquiries. This in effect produces
a register of all old people known to the Department. During the
year 675 new registrations were made and 767 persons were removed
from the register, having either moved from the Borough, died or reregistered
under some other category, i.e., blind, handicapped, etc.
The number of persons remaining on the register at 31st December, 1970
totalled 4,476. The services mentioned in this report were made
available to give support to the elderly in their own homes,
A specially appointed officer co-operates with voluntary
organisations interested in the welfare of elderly people, and in
consequence much additional benefit has been derived by the elderly
residents of the Borough,
Close liaison was maintained with the Old People's Welfare
Committee, of which the Chief Welfare Officer is the Honorary Secretary.
Meals Service
The preparation and supply of meals for old people in Kensington
is carried out at St. George's Hall, Kensington Place, where approximately
1,260 meals a week are prepared, including those supplied to
luncheon clubs. The preparation of meals for delivery in Chelsea is
undertaken from the kitchen in King's Mead old people's home where
an average of 370 meals a week are prepared. Deliveries in both areas
have been effected by volunteer drivers and attendants of the Women's
Royal Voluntary Service, The meals are delivered in a fleet of eight
vans, seven of which are fitted with equipment for keeping the food
hot. The charge to the recipient was l/2d per meal.

Of these 55,667 (55,941) were delivered by the Meals-on-Wheels
service to elderly people in their own homes, the balance being
delivered to luncheon clubs.
The total number of persons in receipt of Meals-on-Wheels at the
beginning of the year was 334 and on 31st December, 1970, there were
352 persons in receipt of meals.