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174
Dietary advice was frequently necessary. Many old people were
eating an excess of carbohydrate foods, partly from habit and
partly for economic reasons. The importance of protein foods was
stressed and some elderly people were advised to use the Borough's
Lunch Club facilities, where a balanced meal was available at
a reasonable price. Fifteen old people were found to be overweight
and were advised on how to lose weight safely.
An unhurried atmosphere still appears to be an important factor
in attracting old people to these clinics. This did, however, have
the effect of limiting numbers although the 1967 attendances
showed an increase of almost 44% over the preceding year.
Geriatric Adviser to the Council
In his Circular 10/65, the Minister of Health pointed out that,
although the various Health and Welfare Services for the elderly are
not under one authority, their purpose is to provide what is essentially
a single service for each individual who needs its.
There are indications that, despite every effort made to the
contrary, much undiagnosed illness and undisclosed disability in
the elderly exists.
It was clear that early recognition of changes in the physical
or mental condition of our old folk in the Council's homes would be
most satisfactorily achieved by a doctor responsible both to the
hospital and to the local authority. This desire for a closer association
between the Health and Welfare department and the hospitals'
geriatric services was satisfied by the decision of the Council to
appoint the Consultant Geriatrician at St. Alfege's Hospital as its
geriatric adviser on its own services for the elderly. This appointment
has led to a situation where each elderly person now receives
appropriate care from the appropriate authority.
Geriatric Units
Since 1st April, 1965, close links with the Geriatric Units in the
Borough have been further strengthened and regular discussions at
the St. Alfege's Hospital Staff Meetings give rise to greater understanding
of common problems.
Holiday Relief for Relatives
Many families provide full time care for seriously infirm elderly
relatives and well deserve any possible support in this task. The
Council therefore decided to give increased publicity to its scheme
for providing temporary accommodation for such old people, in
order to enable their relatives to take a holiday. A total of 54 old
people were admitted to the Old People's Homes under this scheme,
generally for a period of two weeks.