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59
National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 31.
" Meals-on-Wheels "
This section of the Act permits local authorities to make contributions to the
funds of any voluntary organisation whose activities include the provision of recreation
or meals for old people. A grant was again approved for the purpose of the
" Meals'On-Wheels" service operated by the Women's Voluntary Service which,
although limited in the number of meals it can supply, through lack of volunteers
who can spare the appropriate time, performs a most valuable function in delivering
a hot mid-day meal to home-bound elderly persons, and thereby assists materially in
maintaining their nutrition and consequently, their health.
The number of meals supplied, etc., during the year, is given in the following
table :
Total number of names brought to the notice of the
Department 572
Number recommended to W.V.S. 99
Number of meals delivered during the year 6,587
Weekly average 127
Holidays for Elderly Persons.
By means of a scheme administered through the Old People's Welfare Council,
511 persons were able to enjoy a holiday by the sea, or in the country, at greatly
reduced cost, where their circumstances were such that it would not have been
possible for them to take a holiday at their own expense. A substantial grant was
provided by the Borough Council for this scheme.
Chiropody Service
Many elderly persons, although able to get about, are handicapped by the need
for foot treatment by a Chiropodist. Voluntary chiropody sessions have been
arranged for some time at the Islington Medical Centre, and a similar session for
club members was also commenced at the Caxton House Settlement. The Council
decided that, in view of the usefulness of this work, support should be given to the extension
of chiropody work done for elderly persons through voluntary organisations, and
agreed to give a grant for this purpose. During the latter part of the year discussions
were proceeding from which it was hoped that it would be possible to provide for
chiropody sessions also at the Gifford Hall Mission, Gifford Street, in addition to
the extension of the services mentioned above. Arrangements were made for the
Public Health Department to give assistance in co-ordinating appointments where
necessary, for visiting by the Council's Old People's Health Officer, and for the
giving of information regarding dates and times of chiropody sessions to all Local
Authorities, medical practitioners, and voluntary organisations concerned.
Public Health (London) Act, 1936—Section 122
Cleansing and Laundry Service
1. Incontinent Elderly Persons in the Borough. 1955 was the first full year in
which this free service was in operation and it has proved to be of great benefit to