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(g) Bathing;
Baths have been provided free of charge at the Health Centre to
those aged persons who, on account of their condition, cannot use the
existing Public Baths. An attendant has been available to help with
dressing and undressing and to render assistance if this is necessary
In 1960 a bathing attendant was appointed to visit the infirm
elderly in their own homes, and there wash and bath them as possible,
and according to the circumstances. This has proved a very valuable
service and has helped many of the elderly to keep themselves clean,
comfortable and respectable. It has also relieved the pressure on the
Home Nursing Services which previously undertook these duties for
those who might be described as sick. It does not of course, undertake
the bathing of those for whom a skilled and trained nurse is required
It was found that the attendant could undertake about 20-24 cases each
week; in most cases bathing was carried out weekly for those for whom
the service was provided
(h'j Cleansing;
Occasional cleansing services have been provided for those aged
persons where their accommodation has been allowed to become so dirty
and 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 cleansed,
(i) Chiropody,
(1) There has been throughout the five years, a satisfactory
chiropody clinic in the Health Centre, administered by the London
County Council, which has been available for the elderly as well as
for others,
(2) A domiciliary Service (F.0.P.W.C.) has been provided free of
charge for those aged persons who are unable, by reason of senility,,
chronic sickness, etc., to attend personally the Foot Clinic at the
Health Centre, and has proved of great benefit to the elderly,
An increasing number of visits have been paid,, from 245 in 1956 to
475 in 1960, and pensioners of all ages up to 96 have received benefit
from them,
This service has proved well justified in so far as it has enabled
the aged and infirm to get about at home in reasonable comfort, ana do
things for themselves, and so retain the independence essential to
their mental and physical well being
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