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138
COMMUNITY GERIATRIC SERVICES
On 1st April, 1965, the new London Borough Council constituted
a Welfare Committee on the assumption by the Council of
the new powers and duties relating to the welfare services which
were formerly administered by the London County Council and
the Metropolitan Boroughs of Greenwich and Woolwich.
This Committee is responsible for all aspects of old people's
welfare work, including the visiting service for the elderly, the
provision of meals at luncheon clubs and by meals-on-wheels, the
Council's holiday hotel for the elderly, recreational services for the
elderly and other domiciliary geriatric services. It is assisted by
an Old People's Welfare Sub-Committee, which comprises twelve
members of the Council and eleven representatives of voluntary
organisations. The Sub-Committee has special responsibilities for
the day-to-day operation of the old people's welfare services and
liaison with voluntary workers, subject to the determination of
matters of principle by the Welfare Committee.
Comprehensive services for the elderly were inherited by the
department from the previous authorities and a detailed account is
included of the many activities undertaken both by the Council
and by local voluntary organizations. Although these services
may appear to have evolved in a somewhat haphazard fashion over
many years inasmuch as they were designed to meet needs as they
arose and were recognized at the time, nevertheless there is a
pattern of consistency which may not be immediately obvious. All
efforts have been and are directed towards assisting the elderly in
preventing deterioration in their health or welfare and to reduce
illness and accidents. This means that the closest association and
co-operation must be established with doctors, nurses, social
workers, hospitals and voluntary workers who have an interest in
home care. It means also encouraging the elderly to make the
maximum use of their facilities, particularly to remain active, to
have regular social contacts, to have a proper diet, to maintain
a high standard of personal hygiene and appearance and not to
sink into apathy and despondency. Our services should be seen
in the light of these broad criteria.