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53
SECTION C
GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
FOR THE AREA
Care of the Aged
The care of the aged is a matter which is constantly engaging the attention
of the department. Unfortunately it is not always possible to intervene directly
in the welfare of old people unless there is a nuisance or danger to health.
However close contact is maintained with the officers of the Lambeth Old
People's Welfare Association and through them it is often possible to assist.
Similarly, officers of the Public Health Department are frequently able to help
Old People's Welfare Association in dealing with cases.
Factors which contribute to the unhappy state of many of these old people
are varied. Many of the old people are often alone in the world, have a small
fixed income and some are reluctant to apply for National Assistance. Consequently
they live in one room, usually in a basement or at the top of the house, and get
insufficient to eat.
It often appears at first sight that some of those who have children are
neglected by them. This may be true in some instances but on the other hand
investigation may show that there is some real obstacle such as the housing
circumstances of these children which will not permit them to give shelter to
their parents.
Another factor which is often overlooked is the independence of the old
Persons themselves, who will carry on long after they should have had help,
are reluctant to do anything which in the slighest way suggests a whittling
away of their independence.
It is pathetic when one comes across an old person who steadfastly refuses
to accept the services which are available because it felt that independence
will be lost by so doing. This is the type of case which usually becomes the
subject of court-action under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948.
This action is distasteful and is only taken after all methods of persuasion have
During the year 474 new cases were brought to the notice of the Public
Health Department, 29 fewer than in 1959, but the Woman Public Health Visitor
made 200 more visits, 2722 compared with 2522 last year.