View report page

77
in this respect. On good authority it has been estimated that out
of a probable yearly need of at least five million "meals-on-wheels",
only two million are served with only 0.3% of the aged receiving
two meals per week.
Housing is fundamental and a major factor in the welfare of
the elderly and houses, functionally designed to reduce physical
effort, built to avoid the necessity of "gadgets" and in which safety
has been considered of prime importance, are gradually being
introduced into programmes of many local authorities, but in
general, progress has been painfully slow.
Obviously there are times when a residential home has to
be considered. In these circumstances it should be possible to
arrange for a small, compact unit to be made available which would
offer both privacy and companionship and which would accommodate
many of the occupants' personal and treasured possessions.
Assessment of the whole problem and what will be its extent
in future years is very difficult if not impossible, for at present the
number of pensionable people (and therefore those who are most
likely to be in need of assistance) remains problematical to public
health departments. It seems incredible that information available
to Pensions Officers should not be at the disposal of the authorities
whose purpose would be to administer to the more unfortunate of
this group.
The present position is far from satisfactory. Services provided
by doctors, district nurses, health visitors, home-helps, etc.,
are all stretched to the limit and the same can be said for other
ancillaries and voluntary bodies involved with the problem. All
indications are that no satisfactory solution will be found until some
government leglisation, probably on the lines of the Maternity and
Child Welfare Services, is instituted.
Under existing conditions the public health department acts
as a "clearing house" and there are very few cases brought to its
notice which fail to receive adequate help and advice. Cases are
brought to the notice of the department by neighbours, district
nurses, secretaries of Old People's Associations and hospital
almoners and many visits by the Lady Public Health Officers to
old persons result from information supplied by local practitioners.
Relations between the department and other organisations have
always been excellent and co-operation with Dr. Mester and his
Geriatric Unit at St. Alfege's Hospital are close and cordial, all
to the benefit of the elderly infirm patient.