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80
National Assistance Acts, 1948 and 1951
Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948:-
(1) The following provisions of this section shall have effect for the
purposes of securing the necessary care and attention for persons
who-
(a) are suffering from grave chronic disease (or, being aged,
infirm or physically incapacitated, are living in insanitary
conditions) and
(b) are unable to devote to themsel.es, and are not receiving from
other persons, proper care and attention.
It was necessary, during the year, to invoke this procedure for the removal
of an elderly person to suitable premises once only (Case No 3 page 81).
Fortunately, it proved unnecessary to enforce the Court Order in this instance,
In cases 1, 2 and 4 of which details follow it was possible with the
aid of the various services available to elderly persons to find happier
solutions to the problems raised, but they are typical of the case work undertaken
by the Department s visitors on behalf of the more difficult type of elderly
person where the Department is requested to assist by relatives neighbours family
practitioners etc.
Case No. 1.
Mrs. M. (86 years)
Relatives reported that Mrs M was running wild and impossible tc
cope with This was found to be all too true as she was a convicted vagrant All
possible avenues were explored by her own doctor and the Deputy Medical Officer of
Health to find a way of dealing with this case but Mrs M was not certifiable
and far too active and healthy to be considered suitable for compulsory removal on
a Magistrate s Order
The Nurse-in-Charge of the Treatment Centre went in from time to time to give
Mrs M home bathing. When found at home Mrs M was usually lying in bed fully
clothed and covered with faeces as she showed a strong disinclination to use the
toilet. However by the exercise of boundless patience and determination the home
bathing service of this Council has continued to operate The Council's Special
Laundry Service was also provided and at first difficulties arose as the Linen
was sent down in such a foul condition This was partially remedied by a twice
weekly service
Mrs M was supplied with a rubber sheet and new bed and bed linen by the
National Assistance Board but as these quickly rotted she has been supplied at
regular intervals with replacements whenever secondhand mattresses or linen have
been available. She also has to have a constant supply of personal clothing. By
constant surveillance therefore this case is being kept under reasonable control.
Case No. 2.
Mrs K (74 years)
Following a reference from this patient s doctor as to the filthy condition
of rooms etc Mrs. K. was visited but she refused all offers of help Fumigation
by this Department was carried out for vermin and the landlady arranged for the
kitchen to be redecorated. Conditions did not improve however and after further
visits by the Public Health Inspector and the Officer for Old People Mrs. K. was