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eventually persuaded to accept the Home Help Service of the London County Council.
This service could not operate successfully until an accumulation of bottles and
other rubbish had been removed, but with the co-operation of the Cleansing Department
Inspector and this Department's Visitor, this difficulty was overcome.
Mrs. K. had badly ulcerated legs, and again difficulties arose as she refused
to consult her doctor. At length the Visitor persuaded her to let her doctor call,
which he did, prescribing appropriately and arranging for the service daily of a
district nurse. The National Assistance Board was approached in regard to the
provision of a new mattress and a grant was made to the landlady, who purchased a
replacement.
No further complaints have been received and Mrs. K. appears to be co-operating
with the appropriate services in a satisfactory manner.
Case No. 3.
Mr. P. (74 years).
Upon reference from the patient's doctor, Mr. P. was found to be living alone
in filthy conditions. He was unkempt in person and appeared incapable of caring for
himself or his home. Mr. P., who had lost a limb through a war injury refused
all offers of help. Attempts were made to get him into hospital for medical attention,
or into a Home for permanent care, but he refused to co-operate. Members of
his family were consulted but he was violent when they attempted to intervene.
After careful consideration it was eventually decided to apply to Court for a
removal order. An Order was made but not enforced as Mr. P. agreed to accept services.
Home bathing commenced, and has continued, not, however, without many setbacks
as the service has often been refused and only resumed after further visits
by the Deputy Medical Officer of Health and the Health Officer for Old People.The
Council's Laundry Service has operated when Mr. P. could be persuaded to change
his clothes. Following the redecoration of his premises, an excellent home help
has carried on her duties under considerable difficulties. These difficulties,
however, are aggravated by Mr. P.'s predeliction for hoarding and his habit of
spitting on the floor.
Case No. 4.
Mr. C. (81 years) and Mrs. C. (79 years).
Unlike the other cases mentioned, this elderly couple were prepared to accept
services but, when brought to the notice of the Department, had reached the stage
of complete lethargy and an inability to care for themselves. Mr. C. was found to
be fairly active, but Mrs. C. had had a recent fall and required the attention of
a doctor. She was not registered but, with the help of the London Executive Council,
this omission was remedied. After the rooms had been disinfested, and a quantity of
rubbish removed, a bed and mattress were supplied and the Assistance Board made a
grant for personal clothing.
The Home Bathing and Special Laundry Services were introduced and Mrs. C. was
supplied with a commode, through the London County Council. She was also given
domiciliary chiropody treatment. The couple have not yet accepted the Home Help
Service, but it is hoped that they may eventually be persuaded to change their
minds about this.