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58
LAMBETH OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE ASSOCIATION
During the year under review 1,316 new people were brought to the notice
of the Association. It is interesting to observe the changes since 1954. There
was a steady increase in new clients from 535 in that year to a peak of 1,914 in
1958; the number fell to 1,504 in 1959 and since then has become steady at
about 1,300. This would appear to be a healthy sign especially when coupled
with the considerable increase in assistance given to people already known to
the Association; 2,436 were dealt with last year and 3,613 during the year under
review.
It is hoped that help, or at least advice, can be given whatever the problem
an elderly person may have. Some want no more than factual information about
the services that are available, others have problems requiring case work,
visiting and follow up. There are a few with problems which just cannot be
solved and all that can be given is sympathy and a "shoulder to weep on". It is
vital that all elderly members of the community should feel able to look to the
Association for help, advice and support whatever their difficulty.
Visiting
The visiting undertaken or arranged by the Association falls into three main
categories. Firstly, visits made to ascertain the needs of homebound people
newly referred to the Association. Secaidly, periodical follow-up visits to the
more infirm to ensure that they are still managing and to remind them to approach
the Association if they should be in difficulty. Lastly, efforts are made to find
voluntary workers who will "adopt" elderly people who are without relatives
and friends nearby, this provides the feeling that somebody cares for them and
they are still part of the community.
The Association is indebted to all the voluntary workers who help to make
this service possible, and is always anxious to recruit more workers and expand
the service.
Meals-on-wheels
During the year under review 27,765 meals were delivered by the Association
in the Northern part of the Borough: 23,530 to people in their own homes and
4,234 to lunch clubs. The Southern part of the Borough is served by the W.V.S.
which delivered 28,981 meals, all to people in their own homes. Taking this
Borough as a whole the largest number of people who were served on any one
day was 338, of which 50 were at lunch clubs. Meals are delivered to people's
homes on four days a week, and an extra meal for Saturday can be left on Friday.
The lunch club at the Work Centre receives meals on four days, and the North cote
House Senior Club on three days a week.