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16
The Work Centre named Brooke House" situated at 39/41 Gloucester
Way, E.C.1., made possible as a result of a number of generous benefactors,
and opened by the late Lord Border in November 1954, has
proved eminently satisfactory in every way.
Some 110 elderly persons have undertaken work which has been
mostly outwork on behalf of many firms who have generously co-operated,
but some articles have been made for sale to the trade or direct to
the public.
The elderly employed have been paid a small wage amounting to
10/-d. a week which is slightly more than the actual value of the
labour provided.
This Scheme has not only brought joy and happiness to many elderly
people but has been of great value in preserving their health of mind
and body. It has also attracted intense interest from many parts of
the country and from overseas and many bodies are considering in
augurating or have inaugurated similar schemes.
(v) Nurse/Visitor:
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 - liaison with voluntary
organisations - and ascertaining detailed information from applicants
for one or more of the Council's services for the aged.
(vi) Bathing and Cleansing Service:
Baths are provided free of charge at the Health Centre to those
aged persons who, on account of their condition, cannot use the existing
Public Baths. A nurse is in attendance to render assistance, if
this should be necessary
Occasional cleansing services were provided 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.
The Council continued to encourage all voluntary organisations in
the borough to extend the services available to the aged for meals and
recreation. Grants which were made on the basis of reports made to
the Council on the work of each organisation amounted in all to
£1. 660 in the financial year 1956/7.