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Care of the Aged and Infirm.
The problem of the aged and infirm, living on their own has been a
matter of increasing concern to the Department during the year. Some
93 cases came to the notice of the Sanitary Insepctors, who paid 262
visits to premises where the elderly resided.
The Council's powers with regard to the aged and infirm are contained
in the National Assistance Act, 1948, which provides that for the purpose
of securing the necessary care and attention for persons who (a) are
suffering from grave chronic disease or being aged, infirm or physically
incapacitated, are living in insanitary conditions; (b) are unable to
devote to themselves and are not receiving from other persons proper
care and attention. The Council may if the Medical Officer of Health
certifies in writing that in the interests of such person, or for preventing
injury to the health of or serious nuisance to other persons, it is necessary
to remove such persons, apply to the Court for an order for the removal
to a suitable hospital or other place.
It has not been found necessary during the year to exercise these
powers, every endeavour is made to persuade the patients voluntarily to
consent to such removal, and this course has invariably been successful.
Difficulties have, however, been experienced in securing bed accommodation
in the hospitals for these cases.
Full use has been made of the services of the District Nurses for the
nursing of the patients in their own homes, coupled with the assistance
of the Home Help Service in attending to the domestic requirements in
the home, together with the provisions of hot cooked meals when the
Home Help is not for the time being available.
Westminster Old People's Welfare Association.
Valuable work has been performed during the year by the Westminster
Old People's Welfare Association in ministering to the needs and
comfort of elderly people living in Westminster. Their activities include
the conduct of six Darby and Joan Clubs in different parts of the City,
the provision of Library facilities through the City Librarian, the visiting
of the old people in their homes and the organising of Christmas parties
and outings.
The City Council, under powers conferred by Section 31 of the
National Assistance Act, 1948, made a grant of £1,000 for the year
ended 31st March, 1949, towards the expenses of the Association.
Sanitary Circumstances.
Duties Performed by the Sanitary Inspectors.
The following statistics show the work of the Sanitary Inspectors
during the year, these figures are divided under the headings, Housing,
Factories and Workplaces, Catering and Food.