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22
Although I am most reluctant to issue the necessary certificates
to secure the compulsory removal to a hospital of any old person this
step is occasionally necessary in the interests of such people them
selves.. Normally agreement to voluntary removal can be obtained when
this is necessary by the use of persuasion coupled with tact and
patience Since 1946 five applications (1 in 1948, 2 in 1952 and 2
in 1954) for a warrant were made to a magistrate, and all were granted
It was, however, not necessary in the end to use force in all cases
A Nurse/Visitor is employed whose duties involve the regular
visiting of aged persons particularly those living alone who are
likely to be in need of care and attention in order to ensure as far
as possible that this is available. Her work is so varied including
as it does assisting the aged in so many different ways that it cannot
be detailed Her paramount duties, however, are in connection
with those persons living alone who because of mental or physical
debility find it difficult to take proper care of their premises or
themselves.
The work undertaken in 1955 is summarized as under but figures
cannot reflect adequately the value of this service. Some cases may
require frequent but short visits to ensure that all is well whereas
many patient hours must be spent with others.
Number of Visits to Aged Persons 902
A laundry service was commenced in 1951 and this provides for the
incontinent and those unable to cope personally with their washing or
arrange for it to be done. The articles are collected on a Monday,
disinfected, checked and sent to a commercial laundry, returned again,
checked and redelivered the Friday or Saturday of the same week.
A varying number of about 25 to 30 persons have in this way been
enabled to retain their clothes and bedlinen in a wholesome condition.
Occasional cleaning services have been provided since 1951 for
those aged persons where their accommodation has been allowed to
become so dirty and unwholesome that it had become beyond their
capabilities to get it clean again although possibly able with or
without the aid of a domestic help to keep it at least for a time
sanitary once it had been cleaned. This service was provided on six
occasions in 1955.
Some of the aged find difficulty in using the Council's bathing
establishments as the attendants have not the time to assist them in
and out of the baths or with their dressing, since 1951 facilities
have been made available in the Cleansing Station at the Health Centre.