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7
but for children to look after their parents, recent legislation
has entirely removed legal responsibility in the latter case
and as a result thereof there has been given legal and therefore
moral sanction to an attitude whereby children are entitled to
say that their parents are no longer their responsibility. It
is not our duty, nor would it be wise for us to say, whether
in fact such an attitude exists.We can only report the facts
as we found them in our survey of 189 old persons whom we were
called in to help. In 16 per cent, the old people were actually
living with their children, and If the spinsters be excluded
then the percentage increases to 25 per cent. If those living
with brothers and sisters or with their spouse are included then
32 per cent, were living in the same premises as a near relative.
A further 6 per cent, were living with more distant relatives or
friends. The fact remains, however, that no less than 62 per
cent. were living alone. This is higher than the London figure
which can be estimated from the 1951 census figures as 33 per
cent, but it must be remembered that dealt with here are
selected cases.
Many old persons might live a happier, fuller life and
retain their independence for a longer period if some arrangements
were made whereby old age could be associated with family life
and freed from loneliness and isolation in time of sickness and
need. It is not our intention to pass any reflection on the
younger generation. On the other hand, we would say this - it
has been our experience over and over again to see unmarried
daughters spending the best years of their lives looking after
an aged parent. Whilst we admire this expression of filial
affection and devotion we would state that children generally
have no right to look to the unmarried sister as the one whose
duty it is to devote herself to her parents. She has a right to
her own life in the same way as her brothers and sisters and the
least she can expect is their co-operation and assistance so that
she may have as full a life as they have. We do not consider that
the provision of board and lodging is a full compensation for
many of the sacrifices that such unmarried daughters are expected
to make.
State of Health.
Table IV sets out the state of health at the first visit
from the department.