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80
Miss A... cont. The Deputy Medical Officer of Health
visited and confirmed the need for
Hospital admission. An application
was made to a Justice of the Peace on
the morning of the 20th July for an
Order for her removal to Hospital, and
she was admitted later in the day.
Fortunately, in relatively very few cases is it necessary to apply for a Court Order
for removal of elderly people under the National Assistance Acts. The following are just
a few examples of the ways in which the Department'1 s health officers are able to take
action or ameliorate conditions on a basis of voluntary co-operation.
Mr. C. (86 years)
He was a bachelor living on his own in one room on the second floor, and was brought to
the attention of the Department in November, 1960, because of his unpleasant habits. He
was a recluse, and resented interference. He finally agreed to accept some welfare
services such as home-help, meals-on-wheels and home bathing. Later on he agreed to go
into a Welfare Home, but only remained there for a short time. After returning home, as
the premises in which he lived had been made the subject of a Closing Order - he was
re-housed by the Borough Council in a freshly decorated ground-floor flat in a converted
house. He did not, however, settle in his new surroundings and left home one night and
was missing for several days. He was eventually traced to a General Hospital, and later
was discharged to his home. He soon became very mentally confused and was removed to a
Mental Hospital in March, 1962, where he died the following month.
Mr. R. (67 years)
This bachelor, who lived in one room on the second floor, was referred to the Department
in October, 1962 by his Medical Practitioner because he had been off work for six weeks
through ill-health. Following visits by the Health Officer for Elderly Persons and the
Public Health Inspector, his room was found to be in a very dirty condition, cluttered
up with unnecessary articles such as empty bottles, newspapers, etc. In consultation
with the Medical Practitioner, he was admitted to Hospital, and whilst he was there his
consent was obtained for thoroughly cleansing and disinfesting his room. Hie initial
cleansing and disinfesting was undertaken by members of the Public Health Department,
and the landlord had his room redecorated. He was discharged from Hospital towards the
end of 1962, and early in 1963 he was able to return to his work. Since that time his
room has been kept in a fairly clean and tidy condition.
Mrs. T. (80 years)
She was a widow living alone in two rooms on the first floor whose family had moved away
from the district. She was reported to the Department in June, 1962 because of her dirty
appearance and her wanderings about the neighbourhood. When the Health Officer for
Elderly Persons visited her, she found that the room was infested with bugs and cluttered
up with unnecessary furniture and clothing In addition, she discovered that there was a
sum of £20 owing for the rent. Disinfestation and cleansing were undertaken by members of
the Public Health Department, and she was also given the facilities of a home-help, the
Borough Council's laundry service and home-bathing Arrangements were made to ensure that
her arrears of rent were paid She was given part-time work at the Old People's Work
Centre, and she received a daily meal when she was there. She became confused, and was
referred to the Mental Welfare Department of the London County Council. Both the Health
Officer and the Mental Welfare Officer are continuing to keep a close supervision of her,
but up to the moment it has been possible to maintain her in her own home with the
services arranged.