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162
In view of the close proximity of the flats to the Council's
Plumstead Lodge Old People's Home, arrangements were made for
the staff at the Home to give support as necessary, particularly on
the warden's day off. The facilities at the Home are also being
made available to the Council's new flatlet tenants.
Physical Aids
A number of conditions arising as a result of old age are
assisted by the use of simple aids. It is therefore proposed to have
a small selection available to the Public Health Officers in the
same manner as a medical loan.
Publicity
It has been found that many old people have little or no
knowledge of the local services available to them. To help
remedy this situation the Council distributed 10,000 copies of a
booklet specially prepared as a guide to the services available to
elderly people. Early in 1966, the Department also plans to issue
a comprehensive guide to the Health and Welfare Services.
Observers
Services provided in this Borough for the elderly are attracting
observers from many sources, Representatives of interested
organisations from Australia, Holland and Germany have been
welcomed and given every opportunity to study our services for
the elderly. Advantage is also taken of our services by Health
Visitors and Hospital Students in accordance with their various
curricula.
Voluntary Help
In order to attract more voluntary help for our elderly folk,
particularly from senior schools, church and youth organisations
during the year, talks, films and lectures were used to disseminate
information about the general activities and responsibilities of the
Health and Welfare department within which there is great scope
for the volunteer. Particular emphasis was given to explaining
the growing problems of an increased elderly population and to
the needs of those younger persons with physical and mental
handicaps.
Discussions took place with the Dean of Greenwich (the Rev.
N. Stacey) and the Sub-Rector (Rev. R. Garrard) of St. Mark's
Church, Woolwich, and a special meeting of local interested
clergymen was arranged. The Sub-Rector of Woolwich also
contacted several churches in the new deanery of Greenwich with
a view to encouraging their interest and that of their parishioners