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OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY:
1. (Ambulance F.O.P.W.C.): A secondhand 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 nonavailability
of more suitable transport, it has also been used for the
delivery of domiciliary meals until November 1961, when it was possible
to purchase a more suitable van from a grant received from the Council.
In May 1962 the ambulance had to be taken out of use due to the
non-availability of spare parts to make it sufficiently roadworthy to
obtain a new Certificate of Fitness. The question of the purchase of a
new ambulance or similar transport for the elderly, was under active
consideration at the end of the year.
2 Barber & Hairdresser Service (F.0.P.W.C. ): The Committee provided 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.
3 Christmas Parcels (F.O.P.W.C.): Many of the elderly have been provided
each Christmas with a parcel of groceries and other suitable gifts by the
clubs or churches with vhich they are associated, or by the Finsbury Old
People's Welfare Committee, which has distributed about 300 each year.
4. Coal (F.O.P.W.C.): The Committee is registered in the Licensed Merchants
Register in relation to the district of Finsbury, as a licensed merchant
to furnish supplies of coal in quantities not exceeding 28 lbs. This coal
is stored at the Health Centre and the service was used on numerous
occasions to provide coal to the aged in an emergency.
5. Mending Scheme for the Aged (F.O.P.W.C. ): This scheme provides in
association with the Finsbury Employment Scheme for the Elderly, a Mending
Service for the aged. There is a definite need for this service which
effects repairs to such items of clothing as socks, underclothes etc.,
and is particularly useful in respect of the male aged living alone.
Substantial use has been made of the Scheme. There is no charge to the
aged.
6 Ophthalmic Service: As there were many elderly in need of glasses or
other ophthalmic treatment who found it too much trouble to make an
appointment at a hospital or other clinic, a special arrangement was
made in 1956, by the courtesy of Moorfields Eye Hospital whereby
appointments could be made on their behalf and for them to be seen with
a minimum of waiting in the hospital. Extensive use was made of this
service in 1962.
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