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V
Elderly Persons
The severe conditions in the early winter of 1963 caused considerable hardships
to many, but to elderly persons in particular. The deliveries of solid fuel were
delayed, but fortunately it was found possible to improvise a scheme whereby fuel
could be delivered in 28 lb. bags to aged or sick residents by the Department's
vehicle. This scheme was operated jointly with the Islington Old People's Welfare
Council and the firm of coal suppliers which kindly agreed to co-operate.
The Islington Work Centre for the elderly, part of the activities of the Old
People's Welfare Cbuncil, aided by a borough grant, is now operating at its full
capacity and providing employment for close on 100 persons. It provides interests,
friends, and beneficial physical activity for many elderly persons who might otherwise
be lonely and left to fend for themselves as to how they spend their time, and
must be regarded as one of the most valuable old people's activities being conducted
in the borough. The problem of obtaining suitable premises in other parts of the
borough has hindered further development of Work Centres which would benefit many
other elderly but still active persons.
The Meals-on-Wheels service initiated many years ago through the Islington
Women's Voluntary Service and later expanded through the Old People's Welfare Cbuncil,
with Borough Council support, became the direct responsibility of the Public Health
Department during the year. The maintenance of the nutrition of homebound persons is
considered to be an important preventive measure, and plans were under consideration
during the year to extend this service.
Work at the Treatment Centre to modernise and improve bathing facilities for
elderly and partially infirm persons in particular, in accordance with the scheme
mentioned in last year's Report was put into effect during the year, and a sketch
plan of the modified premises is included in this Report. The baths include two
specially fitted shower compartments with seats. Some elderly persons found taking
this kind of bath a new experience, but after initial hesitation in some cases, it
can be said that the shower bath is being welcomed and is proving its value to both
users and staff.
Staff and General
A chronic deficiency in the establishment of Public Health Inspectors continued
during the year and therefore limited the volume of inspections and visiting which
could be done.
At the end of the year, Mrs. H. Godkin, Nurse-in-Charge of the Treatment Centre,
retired. She was one who regarded her duties not only as an appointment but as an
opportunity to give unstinted service to others, and the Council placed the following
tribute on record:-
Mrs. Godkin has held this position since December, 1945, and since that
time has personally treated or helped to treat many elderly persons living
in extremely unpleasant physical circumstances, a task which she has always
carried out with understanding and great kindliness. Thus she has gained
the sympathy and often the friendship of those she treated.
Mrs. Godkin's gracious and tactful disposition and preparedness always to
do anything to assist or benefit elderly people and to ensure that they
lived in comparatively clean and comfortable conditions will be greatly
missed and -
We therefore recommend -
That the Cbuncil do place on record their appreciation of Mrs.
Godkin's services and her untiring devotion to the well-being of
elderly persons of the Borough."