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30
CARE OF THE ELDERLY
1. General
The "Elderly" for administrative purposes are regarded as men
over the age of 65 and women over the age of 60. In the 1961 census
there were 10,177 men and 24,052 women in these age groups, making
a total number of 34,229 out of a total population of 221,753, being
equivalent to 16 per cent.
One of the fundamental difficulties of the public health department
is to find out who among the elderly require help or advice, and where
they may be found. Nevertheless, it can be said that more and more of
this population group are becoming aware of the services available and
are taking advantage of them. This is borne out by the increasing
numbers shown on the returns made to the department by the various
sections dealing with old people.
2. Direct Work
The Council's direct work in the care of the elderly is commented
upon in the following paragraphs:
(a) The Saville
(i) General
The Saville premises were opened in October 1961 as a centre for
various activities for old people, and it has proved so highly successful
that it has become very difficult to keep the club's memberships within
reasonable limits. The whole available time for club activities is fully
used, and 'apart from the very cold weather at the beginning of the year
attendances were high.
Apart from normal club activities a number of outings were
organised by the Management Committee during the winter months
including several visits to pantomimes, a visit to a Croydon bakery,
and return visits to other old people's clubs in Southwark and Camberwell.
Among a number of outings arranged during the summer months
was a trip to Brighton and another of a tour of Kent. Two sales of
handiwork were made during the year, both of which proved very profitable.
Mrs. Shorten who was appointed warden at the start of activities
at the Saville, and who helped to get the clubs and their activities well
organised resigned in October, 1963, her place being taken by the
present warden Mrs. Heath.
(ii) Handicrafts
Handicraft sessions are held Monday to Friday mornings (5
sessions) and on Tuesday and Thursday all day (2 sessions per day),
with a normal total attendance of some 100 members. The handicrafts
include basketwork, leatherwork, feltwork, dressmaking, embroidery,
tatting and quilting, of which dressmaking and basketwork are the most
popular. There are sessions of handicraft for the handicapped held
on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
(iii) Housebound or handicapped
There are about 30 members to each club who attend on Tuesday
and Thursday all day. These elderly people are picked up from their
homes and returned by special transport which is provided with a lift
for the chairborne, and which is accompanied by a paid escort.