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WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE
Problems of the aged are occupying an increasing amount of time in
Health Departments everywhere and are likely to continue to do so as
the proportion of aged persons in the population continues to increase.
It has been estimated that by the 1971 Census the number of persons
of pensionable age may equal or even exceed the number of children
under 15 years of age.
Residential homes cannot be provided for all old people; this is
not only impossible but undesirable. At least 95 per cent, of old people
live in private dwellings and there is no doubt that the more old people
can be helped to look after themselves in their own homes, the happier
and healthier they will be.
Hornsey's population of "old people" according to the 1951 census
is 15,664 if one takes as the criterion the ages at which retirement
pensions are payable i.e. 65 years for men and 60 years for women.
If 65 years is taken as the dividing line for both sexes the figure is 12,534
—4,331 men and 8,203 women.
Hornsey is fortunate in the excellent voluntary work done on behalf
of the old people in the Borough and in having an active Old People's
Welfare Committee, on which the Borough Council has three representatives,
whose duty is to co-ordinate work for old people in the Borough
and assist in any way possible.
" Hornsey Housing Trust"
The Hornsey Housing Trust was started in 1933 to provide easilyrun
flatlets for old people, although a great deal of voluntary work had
been done by Mrs. A. V. Hill before 1933, in getting together a fund to
buy the houses.
The first house was bought in 1933 and others quickly followed
until in 1939 fifty houses were owned by the Trust. These were let in
250 tenancies—which included approximately 200 people of pensionable
age and 200 people under that age.
The rent of these flatlets was fixed as low as possible, the lowest being
4s. per week for one room with every convenience and that sum included
rates, stair lighting and cleaning. Very few of the flats for one or two
people exceeded 10s. a week.
Accommodation provided since the war includes a new block of
16 flats built in Shepherds Hill, Highgate, in association with the
Goldsmith's Company. Each flat consists of a living room, bedroom,
fitted kitchen and bathroom, and heating and constant hot water are
provided.
As many as 90 per cent, of the old people who have been accommodated
in the Trust's flatlets have been enabled to remain until the end
in their own homes and several who became too old and frail have been
admitted to Hill Homes.
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