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SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
VISITS BY MEDICAL OFFICERS
Sixteen visits to elderly persons were made by senior medical staff of the department at the request of
general practitioners, home visitors, etc. in circumstances where it was felt compulsory removal to hospital
might be necessary under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948. Three 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
During the year, the number of the aged visited by health visitors has increased by over 400.
The Geriatric Visitors' work has continued unabated. The Home Help and Meals-on-Wheels services
are now administered by the Social Services Department, therefore the visitors' contact with that department
has been frequent, as has their liaison with General Practitioners and with the Home Nurses.

SPECIAL CLEANSING
From time to time it was found that property occupied by elderly or infirm persons was in such an
unclean, verminous or insanitary condition as to warrant special cleansing by the department prior to the
introduction of home help and other services. Seventeen such cases, reported by the public health inspectors,
home visitors, hospital authorities, etc., were dealt with during the year.
Since 1966 a clinic based geriatric advisory service has been operating in Islington. At these clinics, a
medical examination is offered to elderly persons, either at their own request or on referral by family
doctors, geriatric/health visitors, social workers, etc. Following examinations, arrangements are made through
the family doctor for the follow-up of any abnormalities found. Associated with these clinics, health
education sessions have been held regularly with the assistance of the department's Health Education Officer.
These have been and continue to be very successful and reasonably well attended.
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