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34
OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE COMMITTEE
In April, 1963, the Council assumed responsibility for many of the
functions which were organised formerly by the Deptford Old People's
Welfare Association and decided to augment the Meals on Wheels and
Luncheon Club Services which were being organised by the Women's
Voluntary Services.
By agreement with the Old People's Welfare Association, the Council
took over their arrangements for old people's holidays, i.e. hotel bookings,
fees, transport etc. and continued to fill places which had been booked in
advance by the Association for May and September holidays as well as
arrangements for special holidays for handicapped. During the summer
239 people went away on "group" holidays and holidays were arranged
for 54 handicapped old people.
In April, 1963, there existed one luncheon club for old people, organised
by the W.V.S. at a Hall in Deptford Church Street. One further club was
opened during the year and four further clubs are proposed for 1964.
The Meals on Wheels service expanded to such an extent that the three
vehicles which were in use during the year were insufficient for the demand
and two further vehicles are proposed for 1964.
To organise the development of these meals services, a part time paid
organiser was engaged and her enthusiasm and energy has contributed
largely to the success of the scheme.
During the summer, two parties, of about 20 each were taken by
Council transport for a drive into Kent, which included a stop for tea.
In addition to the two outings organised by the Council, other outings
were arranged by the Deptford Old People's Welfare Association and the
Women's Voluntary Services.
For home visiting, the Council has had for some years, two lady public
health officers who have dealt mainly with the elderly infirm and sick as a
public health measure. This service was augmented slightly by a lady
member of the Old People's Welfare section of the Public Health Department
who visited old people in connection with holidays etc. It has been
felt necessary that a whole time visitor should be appointed for social
purposes and this appointment will commence in April, 1964.
A Laundry Service is provided for the elderly incontinent and although
this is strictly a public health measure I feel that it should be mentioned as
over 54,000 articles were laundered during the year, an increase of 12,000
when compared with 1963.
A bathing service, also a public health matter, is provided both at the
Bathing Station and in the old peoples own homes and this again is an
expanding service.
Finally, by arrangement with the British Red Cross Society, a chiropody
service is to be set up for homebound old people in urgent need of treatment.
A detailed summary of the services for old people is shown in Table
VIII in the Appendix to this Report.