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In 1960 a special afternoon meeting was arranged for the house
bound elderly and special transport has been arranged for them This
provided a valuable amenity for those not normally able to take
advantage of facilities and services available for the more active
elderly
(1) Compulsory Removal
It has fortunately been necessary during the five years, in only
two cases to use the provisions of its National Assistance Act. or of
the Amending Act (under which both Medical Officer of Health and his
Deputy are empowered by the Council to act in urgent cases) to secure
the compulsory removal of any aged persons
These two cases occurred in 1958 and concerned men of 84 and 75
years living alone under very insanitary conditions. In neither case
was actual force needed to effect the removal, and in one case it is
worthy of record that the man who had refused adamantly the doctor,
the nurse and the Medical Officer of Health, was induced to leave
voluntarily and happily by the kindly tact and banter of a young
constable present to assist in the removal.
OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY
I. Ambulance (TO P V C. .
An ambulance was presented to the Finsbury Old People's Welfare
Committee through the generosity of the Rotary Club (Finsbury) in 1959
This has been used for the conveyance of the infirm aged to the club
already referred to and for other purposes on behalf of the elderly
It has also been loaned to other organisations providing recreation
for the handicapped In addition, due to the non availability of more
suitable transport, it has also been used for the delivery of domicil
lary meals
2 Barber and Hairdresser Service i'F.O PIC.
In 1956 the Committee inaugurated a Domiciliary Barber service
(Haircutting and Shaving) for elderly men who were housebound or
bedridden This was essentially a restricted service for men for whom
no other arrangements were possible. There was no charge to the
elderly and the Committee paid the Barbers' fees
In 1960 however, some difficulty was experienced in operating
this scheme as the two hairdressers who had been doing the work,, were
not able to do so at that time,, and at the present time endeavours are
being made to make suitable arrangements with other hairdressers
3 Christmas Parcels I CJ:
Many of the elderly have been provided each Christmas with a
parcel of groceries and other suitable gifts by the clubs or churches
with which they are associated, orby the Finsbury Old People's Welfare
Committee which has distributed about 300 each year.
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