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Holidays and Outings
Very successful summer holidays and outings have been arranged
by the Old People's Welfare Committee. Many of the clubs and other
voluntary organisations arrange summer outings for old people.
In addition to this voluntary work there are the services provided by
the Borough Council and the local health authority.
Home Nursing and Home Help Services
These services under the County Area Health Committee are of
vital importance in treating and caring for people in their own homes
who would otherwise have to be removed to hospital or special residential
homes. Nurses attend the sick in their homes on the request of their
own doctors to give treatment, and home helps also attend when
necessary to carry out the many duties which have been adopted by
the members of this service.
Loan of Medical Equipment
Medical and surgical equipment needed for the use of sick or handicapped
persons in their own homes may be obtained on loan from the
British Red Cross Society. This is a service under the National Health
Service and is carried out on behalf of the County Council.
Laundry Service
One of the greatest difficulties in the care of old people who are
incontinent is that of laundering their soiled clothes and bedclothes.
The home helps have endeavoured to deal with this problem for a long
time but often washing and drying facilities are inadequate and the
job itself is offensive. The Borough Health Department now undertake
the cleansing of soiled articles at the Disinfecting and Cleansing Station
for all aged incontinent persons. Collection and delivery of articles is
arranged on two occasions each week.
Library Service
Old people who are not able to visit the public libraries may obtain
books through a delivery service arranged by the Women's Voluntary
Service. The books are delivered by members of the Women's Voluntary
Services on Mondays. For this purpose the Borough is divided into
two delivery areas, each area receiving a fortnightly visit.
Books may be selected by name or the library staff will choose a
suitable book in cases where the old person has indicated the kind of
book preferred. About 100 books are sent out each Monday.
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