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and sent to a commercial laundry, returned again on Friday or Saturday of
the same week, when they are-re-checked for return to the elderly. A varying
number of about 45 to 50 persons have in this way been able to retain their
clothes and bed linen in a wholesome condition.
(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, the Council inaugurated a domiciliary bathing service,
whereby elderly persons can be washed and bathed in their own homes. This
has proved a very valuable service, and has helped many of the elderly to
keep themselves clean, comfortable, and respectable. It has been found that
an attendant can attend about 20 — 24 cases each week. Additional
attendants have been appointed as the need has arisen, and during 1964,
three attendants were so employed.
(h) Cleansing: Occasional cleansing services have been provided for
those aged persons where their accommodation has been allowed to become
so dirty and unwholesome that it has become beyond their capabilities to
get it clean again, although possibly able with or without the aid of domestic
help, to keep it at least for a time sanitary, once it had been cleansed.
(i) Chiropody: (1) There is a satisfactory chiropody clinic in the Health
Centre, administered by the London County Council which is available for
the elderly as well as for others.
(2) A domiciliary service (F.O.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. 688 visits were paid in
1964 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, and do
things for themselves, and so retain the independence essential to their
mental and physical well-being.
(j) S.O.S. Cards (F.O.P.W.C.) The S.O.S Card Scheme operated by the
Committee in the Borough has functioned very successfully in the past.
No use, however, was made of the Scheme during the year under review.
The purpose of the Scheme is to enable old people living alone to
contact someone outside their home in an emergency. The Scheme besides
having a practical value also has a comfort value, as many of the aged
express the sense of security which possession of the card affords them.
(k) Clubs: There are a number of clubs for the elderly in the Borough
and most of these have remained available throughout the period under
review. The majority of them meet once a week and sometimes more often,
and various social activities are organised in connection with them. Several
are closely associated with religious organisations:
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