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87
cont. Reason for Council's Action
she left the Home without leave, and was later
found wandering in the streets by Police and
removed to a General Hospital. Her mental
condition deteriorated considerably, and she
was transferred to a Mental Hospital
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's health officers are able
to take action or ameliorate conditions on a basis of voluntary co-operation.
Mr. M. (77 years); Miss M, (82 years)
These two elderly persons- a brother and sister-came to the notice of the Public
Health Department in January, 1963, following a complaint that they were living in
very dirty circumstances. A visit was made by the Public Health Inspector and Health
Officer and they were offered accommodation in a Welfare Home. However, they refused
the offer and arrangements were made for special cleansing of their home by members
of the Public Health Department, A home-help was provided. They were referred to the
National Assistance Board for additional finance. New clothing was provided for Mr. M.,
and the laundry and home bathing services were arranged for him. Eventually, in June,
1963, Mr. M., who was becoming an increasing burden on his sister, agreed to go into a
Welfare Home; Miss M. refused to accompany him. However, soon after her brother's entry
into a Home her condition also deteriorated. She had lost interest in her home, and was
not preparing or accepting meals. Finally, she also agreed to enter a Welfare Home at
the end of November, 1963. They were both resident in the Home at the end of the year.
Mr. H. (89 years): Mrs. H. (78 years)
Mrs. H. was discharged from hospital in 1956, following an abdominal operation, and a
request was made to the department for a home-help. This was arranged, and a visit was
made by the Health Officer. Mr. H., her husband, was a difficult person and the Health
Officer called on several occasions to arrange for holidays and to assist them with
their domestic difficulties. In 1959, Mr. H. was admitted to a Mental Hospital for a
short time. Upon discharge, domestic difficulties again became evident, and by the end
of 1962 domestic and financial troubles were really pressing. Mr. H. refused to enter
a Welfare Home. At that time he became incontinent, and home bathing and laundry
services were arranged, but this added to the difficulty of the domestic situation. In
early January, 1963, Mrs. H. refused to look after the household any longer and retired
to her bed. Arrangements were made for Mr, H. to return to the Mental Hospital Welfare
services were immediately provided for Mrs. H., but these proved insufficient and she
was admitted to hospital for short periods during January and May, 1963. Following her
second admission, she went for convalescence, and returned home in Mid-August, 1963,
when the domiciliary services were reinstated. In the meantime, Mr. H. died, and soon
after her return home a letter was received stating that Mrs. H. had remarried and had
gone to live in another area.