View report page

38
suitable place, of persons who are suffering from grave chronic
disease or, being aged, infirm or physically incapacitated, are
living in insanitary conditions and unable to devote to themselves,
and are not receiving from others, proper care and
attention.
During the year it was only necessary to take action under
the above on one occasion.
In this particular case a lady of 60 years, suffering from
advanced cancer of the face, was found living alone, without
attention or help. She had had no medical care and was
obviously at the point of death. A Magistrate's Order was
obtained and she was taken to hospital and made comfortable
and warm. Her death followed in a few days.
If this was an uncommon and unusual type of tragedy one
would feel happier about our old people. Far too many, it is
to be deplored, spend the ends of their lives alone and without
a friend and have to be rescued at death's door by one or other
of the country's health services.
In addition to the above, many other cases, mostly elderly
and infirm persons, were brought to our notice, but in none,
however, was there justification for certifying that application
for an order for removal be made.
In the majority of cases it was possible, however, to render
assistance by securing the provision of nursing by the District
Nursing Association, Home Help, visits by the Welfare Organiser
of the Hammersmith Old People's Welfare Association, Invalid
Meals and by arranging admissions to hospitals where necessary.
Close co-operation with all the bodies working for the
welfare of the elderly in the Borough is maintained but there is
no doubt that the problem of the ageing population is slowly
increasing and is a matter of great concern.
Burial or Cremation of the Dead.
It is provided that the local authority shall arrange burial
or cremation in the case of any person who has died or been
found dead in the Borough, in any case where it appears to
the authority that no suitable funeral arrangements have been
or are being made.
During the year 23 burials were carried out by the Council
at a total cost of £267 18s. Od. Of this amount, £159 11s. Od.
has been recovered.
In no case was a wish expressed for cremation.
Hammersmith Old People's Welfare Association.
The Hammersmith Old People's Welfare Association which
discovers and meets the needs of necessitous old persons
continued to make even further progress during the year.