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Some 120 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/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 inaugurating
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 - Liasion 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 possible able with or without the aid of a domestic help
to keep it at least for a time sanitary once it had been cleansed.
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 £1,928 in
the financial year 1958/59.
There were two compulsory removals to suitable premises during 1958
of persons in need of care and attention under Section 47 of the National
Assistance Act 1948. Both were in respect of elderly men aged 84 and
75 years respectively.