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A grant was made to each of the homes or to the Finsbury Old
People's Welfare Committee, to cover the cost including the railway
or coach fare, and their necessary travelling expenses, less
that amount which the individual was required to contribute.
Holidays were provided in this way for about 357 persons in
1961, comprising 46 married couples, 42 men and 223 women at a
total cost to the Council of £2,926. Holidays were provided at
Ramsgate, Brighton, Bognor, Leigh-on-Sea, Clacton, Margate,
Worthing, Chigwell (Essex) and Herne Bay.
The Scheme has proved an unqualified success as was evidenced
by the large number of appreciative letters received and in other
ways.
I am of the opinion that a holiday benefits considerably the
permanent health of the individual, builds up the body for the
winter months and is of considerable value socialogically. All
this apart from the pleasure and enjoyment given to the aged
persons at the time.
(f) Laundry: This service was continued for the Chronic Sick who
were unable by reason of ill-health, senility etc, to keep their
personal and domestic laundry in a state of cleanliness required
to ensure a healthy environment. The articles are collected on
Monday, disinfected, checked and sent to a commercial laundry,
returned again, checked and redelivered on Friday or Saturday of
the same week. A varying number of about 45 to 50 persons have
in this way been able to retain their clothes and bedlinen in a
wholesome condition.
(g) Bathings: 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. In April 1961 an
additional bathing attendant was appointed to cope with the
increased demand for the service. 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.
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