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34
After much persuasion by the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, the
old lady grudgingly agreed to accept the various services which were
obtained for her. Eventually, a vacancy was obtained for her in a
Welfare Home, to which she was admitted; within a few hours, however,
she left and returned home.
In her lucid moments she appreciated that she could no longer
manage on her own, but she would not consent voluntarily to enter an
old people's home, mainly on account of her cat.
There was no alternative but to apply to the Court for an Order
for her removal for a period of three months to a Welfare Home, which
was granted. Arrangements were made for the cat to be cared for by
the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. The old lady, however,
refused to give up the tenancy of her fiat; at the expiration of the three
months period conditions were unchanged (except that her home had
been cleaned up) and it was necessary for a further application to be
made for an extension of the original Order; this was granted. After
this the old lady settled down happily in the Home.
In the second case, legal action was instituted, but the old lady
concerned voluntarily removed herself to an old people's home in another
part of the country on the day on which the case was to be heard by
the Court.
Fortunately, it is only occasionally necessary to invoke these legal
powers which have been provided for the purpose of protecting frail old
people from causing themselves unnecessary harm and suffering.
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.
Two-hundred and ninety-seven such visits were made during the year.
Motile 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
Wcstmin.ster 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,