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17
Welfare of Old People.
Aged Persons in need of care and attention.
Under the provisions of the National Assistance Acts, a Medical
Officer of Health is empowered to apply to the Courts for an order for
the compulsory removal to a hospital or other suitable place, of persons
who are suffering from grave chronic disease or, being aged, infirm or
physically incapacitated, are living in insanitary conditions and unable to
devote to themselves, and are not receiving from others, proper care
and attention.
Fortunately it has not been found necessary to invoke these powers
during the year.

The Westminster Old People's Welfare Association.
This Association formed in 1947 continued its activities for the welfare
of aged persons in the City. These activities include nine Old People's
clubs in different parts of the City where recreation and light refreshments
are provided. Two of these clubs are organised by the W.V.S.,
one by the British Red Cross Society, and another at St. Martin-in-theFields
in co-operation with the Association. Holidays at seaside resorts
are provided for the aged as well as summer outings, Christmas parties,
and other entertainments. Valuable work is also carried out by voluntary
workers of the Association in visiting the ailing and lonely in their
homes. A library service is provided by the City Librarian. The
chiropody service provided by the Association has proved of immense
benefit to the old people who are affected with foot troubles. The
Association have arrangements with two clinics in different parts of the
City where the aged can attend for treatment, and home treatment is
arranged for those who are home bound. The charge to the elderly
patients varies from 1s. per foot per treatment to 2s., the balance of
cost which varies from 3s. to 6s. per treatment is borne by the Association.
Under the provisions of the National Assistance Act, 1948, a local
authority may make contributions to the funds of any voluntary
organisation whose activities consist in or include provision of recreation
or meals for old people. The City Council under this authority make an
annual grant to the Association and office accommodation is provided
for them in the Public Health Department.