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to the country is to bring toold people new interests and activities.
Social visits are increasingly necessary as more old people are
now living alone and have outlived their friends and become
separated from their families—who have their own domestic
responsibilities or have moved away from the district.
During the year 954 cases were referred to the Organisation
and apart from the normal welfare services, a wide scope of
personal problems was dealt with, as set out in the following
list :—
Meals-on-Wheels service
Chiropody Service
Convalescence and holidays
Surgical equipment
Transport and Escorts
Pensions and other Financial
questions
Lost documents and other questions
relating to Policies
Legal matters
Help with removals
For radio sets
Moving dangerous meters
Clothing and bedding
Hospital visiting
Illness and Accidents
Letter writing
Occupational Therapy
Chimney Sweeping
Housing and Homes
Cleansing
Fuel
Furniture
Employment
Social Interest
Domestic Quarrels
Care of Pets
Friendly visits
General care
Travelling Library
Religious and Consolation
54,447 meals were served in the restaurant at The Gatehouse,
the two luncheon clubs at the Women's University Settlement and
the hall of the Church of Lady Margaret and by the Meals on Wheels
Service. It was found in some cases that the latter tended to
discourage some old people from making an effort to help themselves
and for this reason, each recipient is now visited after a
six weeks' period to assess whether they are able to do their own
cooking, or could go out to the restaurant. There is already
evidence that this has helped in the rehabilitation of many patients
after hospital treatment.
Still of paramount importance is the Chiropody Clinic and whilst
the Domiciliary Service which was commenced last year has
proved a great success, the acquisition during this year of a car
has enabled many of these patients to be taken to the Foot Clinic
where they can meet their friends. This transport has also been
invaluable in conveying old people to sick relations in hospital,
visits to dentists or opticians, or short journeys for the housebound.
116 old people enjoyed a fortnight's holiday at Bexhill-on-Sea
in lay and other outings have been arranged, many of them through
the generosity of the Rotary Club. The development of these
social activities is due to theenthusiasm of many willing voluntary
helpers, and is restricted only by lack of funds, which were helped
by a Flag Day and the Dickens Fair.