View report page

quately. In addition she refused any assistance from the District
Nurse or Hone Help. As her condition deteriorated arrangements were
made on two occasions for her to enter hospital voluntarily and, in
both instances, she declined on the arrival of the ambulance.
Under these circumstances there was no alternative but to
arrange for her removal compulsorily under the provisions of the
National Assistance Act. The removal was accomplished smoothly,
and with the minimum of inconvenience to the old lady.
WELFARE OF THE AGED INFIRM
As can be seen from the table below, the number of new cases
brought to the attention of the Department as in need of help or
care amounted to 478. They were dealt with as expeditiously as
possible, depending upon the urgency of each particular case, at
the same tine observation and routine inspection being made of those
already under the notice of the department. The most difficult
cases are those of old people who are completely isolated, without
relatives, friends or organisations to keep them under observation.
Quite often they live in loneliness and without any participation in
the life of the community around them, which has an effect on their
mental stability. It is this kind of case that need3 most help and
one of the greatest obstacles is discovering then for, in many cases,
they have a fear of "charity" and very rarely seek assistance of their
own accord. Their living conditions are often appalling and they are
in need of medical care, meals-on-wheels, and assistance with housework.
Every effort is made to enlist the co-operation of the public
to assist by informing the Welfare Officer in this department where
such cases are suspected or known to exist. I am pleased to say
this has resulted in our being able to help a number of cases which
otherwise would have gone undetected much longer.
Detail of Inspections
Cases on the Register at 31st December 1963 969
New cases added to the Register 478
Number of removals from Register;
(a) Deaths 84
(b) Transfers 42
(c) Other cases 31
Total number on Register at 31st December 1964 1290
Incontinent Laundry calls 1085
Home Bathing visits 2482
Visits to new cases 279
Visits to old cases 1059
Miscellaneous visits and enquiries 1482
35