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SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
Visits by Medical Officers
Six visits to elderly persons were made by Senior Medical Staff of the Department.
These calls were made at the request of general practitioners, home visitors, etc. in
circumstances where it was felt action might be necessary under Section 47 of the National
Assistance Act, 1948. Two cases were dealt with under Section 47; and two persons subsequently
agreed to be admitted to hospital or a welfare home to receive care and attention.
Home Visiting
The Council employed three home visitors (S.R.N.) and four assistant home visitors to
visit elderly persons in the Borough. In addition visiting was also carried out by a Home
Visitor who is also the Nurse in Charge of the bathing and treatment centre at the Pinsbury
Health Centre.
Decentralisation - Pilot Scheme
The pilot schemes of decentralisation were commented upon in last year's annual report.
In December 1967 a further step in the complete decentralisation of home visiting staff was
carried out, when the visitors for the northern area were transferred, with the agreement of
the Voluntary Committee of the North Islington Welfare Centre, to Manor Gardens.
It was agreed that the final stage of decentralisation should be carried out early in
1968.
National Assistance Acts, 1948 & 1951
Section 47 Removals
Two elderly persons were removed to hospital during the year, under the provisions of
Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, which enables the Council to obtain orders for
the compulsory removal of patients in accordance with certain specified circumstances. Both
of the elderly persons subsequently died.
Special Cleansing
Prom time to time it was found that property occupied by elderly or infirm persons was
in such a filthy, verminous or insanitary condition as to warrant special cleansing by the
Council's Health Department, prior to the introduction of home help and other services.
Twenty-one such cases were reported by the public health inspectors, home visitors, hospital
authorities, etc. during the year. Fifteen special cleansings were carried out. Six cases
were subsequently not proceeded with for various reasons.
Meals on Wheels Service
During 1967 eight vans were operating within the borough and providing a five day
service.
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