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65
The cases reported previously, where Statutory action had to be taken under the
National Assistance Acts, 1948 and 1951, have shown some distressing circumstances
and it will be apparent also that a very great deal of personal endeavour on the part
of the Department's staff and other social and voluntary workers was necessary
before the final solution through the Courts became necessary and inevitable. It
would be wrong to conclude from the above cases that they were typical. The
greater part of the work of the Department's visitors in particular is concerned with
improving unsatisfactory sanitary and social circumstances on a voluntary basis so
far as this can be done, and the final resort to the Court must be a confession of
failure of voluntary action. A vast amount of repeated visiting, patiently done,
liaison with the Home Help service of the London County Council, and reference to
other organisations, where necessary, including, of course, discussion of the case with
the family practitioner where this is appropriate, constitute by far the greater part
of the work of the Old People's Visitors. A voluntary and happier solution has
been found in many instances and, in order that the cases in which compulsory
removal has to be effected can be compared with those where some measure of
rehabilitation was successfully accomplished, it is thought only right to mention
briefly the following cases which are more typical of the work done.
CASE No. 1
Mrs. H. (76 years).
In June, 1956, Mrs. H. was reported as being very dirty and neglected, with a
tendency to fall about. Her room contained a large accumulation of papers and
general rubbish, causing mice infestation. She herself appeared to lack clothing,
bed linen etc. although on subsequent enquiries it was found that the National
Assistance Board had made several grants.
Repeated offers of help or services were consistently refused but by the
determined efforts of the Old People's Health Officer, Mrs. H. was eventually
persuaded to accept home bathing. This gave reasonable access to the premises so
that the accumulated rubbish in the room was removed and the mice complaint
dealt with. The Council's Special Laundry Service was arranged and County
Council home help assistance was requested and supplied.
In April, 1957, Mrs. H. fell out of bed, injured her spine and was admitted to
hospital. She was discharged home wearing a spinal jacket but, in spite of this
handicap, it was still possible for her to be well-cared for at home with the resumption
of the above-mentioned services.
CASE No. 2
Mrs. C. (67 years).
A reference was made to the Public Health Department in July, 1956, as
Mrs. C. was a source of constant concern to everyone. She was active but confused
and forgetful, and, whilst apparently willing to accept help, was frequently out when
calls were made, or refused to open the door to anyone. A foul smell always pervaded
her room, from her own incontinence and her tendency to leave the gas jets on
but unlighted. By frequent visits the Old People's Health Officer and other Public
Health Department Staff became familiar with Mrs. C.'s movements and it was
possible, although always with some difficulty, to persuade her to open the door
when at home, or to know where to find her in the locality. In this way Mrs. C.
received home bathing, was provided with clothing, and her soiled linen was dealt
with through the Council's Special Laundry Service. The home help service was
able to operate in a similarly erratic manner.