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Some 140 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 are paid a small wage amounting to 12/6d 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.
As a result of the passing of the National Assistance (Amendment)
Act 1962, the Borough Council resolved that as from the 1st April, 1964
the Finsbury Employment Scheme for the Elderly should be run directly by
the Council instead of as previously by Grant aid through the Voluntary
Organisation at present administering it.
(e) Holidays: The Council has continued this service designed to preserve
the Health of the elderly by allowing those sufficiently able to do so to
benefit from a stay of two weeks in the country or at the seaside.
Applications were invited by public announcement and through various
interested clubs and societies, such applications were made to the Health
Department. Each applicant was required to contribute a small sum towards
the cost, normally ten shillings per week, but varied slightly in some cases.
Arrangements were then made for the holiday at one or other of the holiday
addresses, with whom the Council had made block bookings of
accommodation.
Preliminary and interim grants were paid by the Council to the
holiday homes, and final settlement of the balance owing was made at the
end of the season. The Council also paid for all transport provided; and
contributions collected from the elderly (in accordance with the assessment
scale) were paid into the Borough Treasurer's Department,
Holidays were provided in this way for about 398 persons in 1964,
comprising 81 men and 317 women of which 40 were married couples, at
a total cost to the Council of £4,479. Holidays were provided at Brighton,
Bognor, Leigh-on-Sea, Clacton, Margate, Worthing, Chigwell (Essex) and
Heme 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
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