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40
Services for Old People
The Council was concerned at the lack of suitable housing accommodation
for old people in the Borough and plans were prepared for the
erection of a number of dwellings designed to meet the special needs of
the aged. The lowest tender which was received for erecting the premises
was, however, so high that even with the usual subsidies and an additional
contribution from the rates, the rents would have been beyond the means
of these persons for whom the dwellings were intended. The Council were
consequently obliged to abandon the project and this was done with
considerable regret.
The extent of the housing need of the old people in Deptford is largely
unknown and exact figures will not be available without a detailed survey.
It is known, however, that a very large number of old persons live by
themselves, commonly in one room, with a minimum of facilities. A
survey of one of the worst streets in Deptford showed that the 52 houses,
all of three storeys, were occupied by 161 families of which 87 " families "
consisted of one person only, the great majority of these being persons
over 65 years of age. In none of these houses is there an indoor lavatory
and there is no piped water supply into any room although in some
cases a tap is provided on the staircase landing.
On the other hand there are numbers of old people in other parts of the
Borough who occupy houses which are far too large for their needs. They
are usually unwilling to move because they are fond of the houses in which
they have lived for many years, they do not like any upheaval such as a
removal, and removal would, in many cases, involve loss of contact with
their neighbours and old friends.
The voluntary services in the district provide some assistance and
recreation for old people. The W.V.S. have organised five Darby and
Joan Clubs in various parts of the Borough so that one or more is within
reasonable reach of persons living in any part of the district. In addition,
the Albany Institute Old People's Club, although situated just beyond the
Borough boundary, is patronised mainly by Deptford people.
A Meals-on-Wheels service operates in the Borough. This supplies
meals to aged and infirm people in their homes twice a week, to three of the
Darby and Joan Clubs once a week, and to the Albany Institute daily from
Monday to Friday. The meals are obtained from the London County
Council's meals service and supplied to the old people at a charge of Bd.
each. The vehicle was supplied and fitted by the Borough Council,
which also provides the driver and maintains the vehicle. The remainder
of the work is done by members of the W.V.S. The average numbers
receiving one or more meals per week are 32 persons in their own homes
and 250 persons at the clubs.
Amongst other facilities provided by voluntary bodies, outings for old
people are organised by the Deptford Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel,
a yearly banquet for old-age pensioners is provided by the 1st New Cross