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58
conditions of safety and comfort; and those others who are living in squalor
and discomfort because they are unable to care for themselves adequately
but refuse nevertheless to leave their own homes. The service will provide
assistance through two types of paid helpers. Firstly, the 'sitter-in' who
will stay with an old person occasionally or regularly for a few hours, thus
providing relief for the individual who normally cares for the old person
concerned. Secondly, the 'good neighbour' who will call in regularly to
see that the old person has not fallen or become ill, to get shopping, to
ensure that food is available and eaten, to attend to fires and check the
safety of heaters and gas taps etc; in effect to give all the help normally
forthcoming from a relative if he or she were available. The aim of the
'good neighbour' would be to provide regular daily care, unobtrusive supervision
and personal friendship, supplementing but not replacing the services
of relatives, friends, neighbours and the domiciliary services.
Accommodation Officer. Once again this service will be an alternative
to people who at present have no choice but to enter an old people's home.
Accommodation would be sought for the following main groups of people:
those who should not live alone because they are unable to care for themselves
properly; those who are isolated and lonely and who would prefer
not to live alone; those who are homeless, e.g. tenants who are given
notice to leave their accommodation and people who retire from resident
jobs; and those who are blocking hospital beds because they fall into one of
the above categories. The type of accommodation sought will depend on
the mental and physical condition of the particular person being helped, examples
are full board; bed-sitter accommodation with some services or supervision
e.g. mid-day meals, checking that clothes are changed regularly; or
a straightforward furnished tenancy for someone able to care for themselves
with or without the assistance of a home help or meals-on-wheels.
Acknowledgments
Throughout the year the work of the Association is furthered by the
support of many organisations and individuals some of whom are mentioned
in the Reportand others in the list of Donations. In addition acknowledgment
and thanks must be given to the following:
The Lambeth Borough Council whose outstanding
generosity has made it so easy for the Association to
expand and extend its services; and the Medical Officer
of Health and other Council staff who are always ready
to give help and advice.
The members and officers of the various voluntary
and statutory bodies represented on the Association whose
co-operation ensures that the most effective use is made
of the resources and goodwill available for the assistance
of the elderly.
The undermentioned for their donations or coroperation
in the distribution of gifts at Christmas time:-