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42
4. Miss D., age 70, found to be living in filthy surroundings
for which she was entirely responsible. She spent
most of the day cooking horse flesh for the local
cats and birds. Many complaints were received
regarding the conditions, particularly the smell,
from neighbours and others. All offers of help were
refused and an Order was obtained and Miss D was
removed to Hospital and two months later was
transferred to a Mental Hospital suffering from
Senile Dementia.
With regard to the other cases it was possible to ease the
position either by reference to the family doctor or by arranging
admission to Hospital, assistance by Home Helps, District
Nurses, Old People's Welfare Association and also through the
use of the Health Laundry.
Burial or Cremation of the Dead.
It is provided by Section 50 of the National Assistance Act,
1948, that a local authority shall arrange for burial or cremation
in the case of any person who has died or been found dead in
the Borough where it appears to the Authority that no suitable
arrangements have been or are being made for a funeral.
During the year seven burials, including one stillborn child,
were carried out, and one cremation, at a cost of £84 15s. 6d.,
of which amount £37 8s. 5d. was recovered.
The cremation was in respect of the remains of a man who
had been killed by enemy action (air raid) in 1940, and which
were found in July, 1954, after the removal of pre-fabricated
dwellings and during excavation of the site prior to the erection
of a new block of flats. The deceased left a widow who was
unable to meet the cost of a private 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.
The activities of the Association include:—
Clubs arranged by the British Bed Cross Society, Women's
Voluntary Services, Old Age Pensioners' Association, Missions
and Churches. Each open one or two afternoons a week. Much
of the entertainment at these Clubs is provided by the Council
and grants are made for expenses, such as hire of halls, etc.
A friendly visiting service has been arranged for lonely old
people through volunteers who provide such things as magazines,
jig-saw puzzles, playing cards, handicraft materials, send
birthday cards and generally "adopt" old people who are really
lonely and isolated.