View report page

32
The long-term solution to this problem is the establishment of a
comprehensive domiciliary meals service which would be available, for
long or short periods as the need arose, to those requiring special diets
and to young invalids and convalescents, as well as to the frail elderly.
So far as the present is concerned, discussions are taking place with
interested organisations with a view to extending the existing Meals on
Wheels service to include young persons who are sick in their own homes.
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.
Although several cases were investigated during 1961, it was not
found necessary to use these compulsory powers.
Aged and Infirm Persons
Much of the visiting of the aged and infirm is done by the Westminster
Old People's Welfare Association social worker. There are many
occasions, however, when a visit by a Medical Officer or a Public Health
Inspector is required, because of their specialist knowledge or statutory
powers.
One hundred and seventy-four such visits were made during the year.
Mobile Library (Personal Delivery Service)
Anyone unable through age or infirmity to get to one of the City
Council's Libraries can apply to the Librarian at any branch of the
Westminster Public Libraries to be placed on the list for the Personal
Delivery Service. Each person using this Service receives a fortnightly
home-visit from a qualified member of the Libraries Department.
Books are also available at the Darby and Joan Clubs.
Bathing Facilities
The City Council has made available to old age pensioners facilities
whereby they can have hot baths at the Council's public baths at reduced
charges.
Cleansing of Bed Linen of Elderly and Infirm Persons
Facilities have also been made available by the Council for the cleansing
of bed linen of elderly and infirm people when it has become fouled and
unwholesome.