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165
modation for the elderly relatives for the period of the holiday. In
the main, these old people were temporarily admitted to Old People's
Homes but, as the result of a combined effort of trained staff and
voluntary help, some 65 old people who had considerable disability
were enabled to enjoy a holiday under the Council's Avery Hill
Holiday Scheme, and their relatives afforded a much needed break.
In accordance with these arrangements, use was made of the
College students' ground floor single rooms to provide some 65
homebound old people with very comfortable quarters and full
nursing assistance and care. The holiday stay included a full recreational
programme and the department's special transport conveyed
the elderly to and from their homes and to the social outings arranged
during the fortnight. All were thoroughly appreciated by the old
people enjoying their 'holiday break' among the semi-rural surroundings
of the college. A major feature of the scheme was the invaluable
assistance given by voluntary helpers, many of whom were senior
members of schools in the vicinity.
Nutritional Supplements
A scheme is in operation throughout the Borough for the sale
to bona fide retirement pensioners, at preferential rates, of various
nutritional commodities.
Distribution is mainly via Old People's Clubs which make
regular purchases of foods such as Ovaltine, Marmite, Horlicks,
Bovril, Ribena and Complan for re-sale to their members at reduced
costs. Non-Club members can purchase these foods from the
W.R.V.S. offices at Woolwich, the Citizens Advice Bureau at
Eltham, and from the Health and Welfare Department at Greenwich.
Relatives and friends may obtain supplies from these Centres
for homebound elderly people on production of a registration card.
Sales are restricted to persons of pensionable age and only in
sufficient quantities considered reasonable for that person's own
consumption.
During the year sales exceeded £7,500.
Housing
Regular consultation takes place between the Public Health
Officers and representatives of the Housing Departments of this and
the Greater London Councils. Furthermore, active participation in
the selection of elderly persons for residence in local almshouses and
Housing Society properties is also undertaken by the department's
officers.
Physical Aids
A number of conditions arising as a result of old age are assisted
by the use of simple aids and arrangements have been made for
Women Public Health Officers to authorise issue of such articles in
a similar manner as loans of medical equipment.