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activities in the City during the year. These activities include the
organisation in various parts of the City of Darby and Joan Clubs, where
light refreshments and recreation are provided; arranging holidays at
seaside resorts, summer outings, Christmas parties, and other entertainments.
Special outings and parties were organised during the year for
handicapped old people, who by reason of their infirmities had not been
outside their homes for long periods. The distribution of gift food parcels
was arranged; and also the visiting by voluntary helpers of the ailing
and lonely in their homes. The Association also provides a chiropody
service for the elderly. Treatment can be obtained at two clinics in the
City, or at home. The charge is Is. per foot per treatment; the balance
of cost, which varies from 3s. to 6s. per treatment, is borne by the
Association. The Association have also been instrumental in placing a
few old people in part-time employment.
The City Council, under powers conferred by the National Assistance
Act, 1948, make an annual contribution to the funds of the Association.
British Red Cross Society—Mobile Meals Service.
The Westminster Division of the British Red Cross Society has
continued the service which it established in the City in 1945 for the
delivery to their homes of hot mid-day meals to aged people who are
unable themselves to prepare meals at home.
The service is operated with two vans provided by the City Council
and loaned to the Society. The Council also makes an annual grant to
the Society of 75 per cent, of the running costs of the vans.
The meals are obtained from a firm of caterers, and are placed in
individual containers and kept in heated chambers on the vans until
delivered at the homes of the old people. The meals cost Is. 6d. each,
and consist of meat, two vegetables and a sweet, or lighter diets for those
requiring them. The old people pay 10d. for the meal and the London
County Council bear the difference of 8d.
Some 9,932 meals were delivered by this service during the year,
with the assistance of the Society's voluntary workers. This invaluable
help is very much appreciated by all concerned.
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.