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OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE
Apart from the many miscellaneous enquiries about old people
known to the department, 26 new cases were reported during 1960,
but it is pleasing to be able to report that compulsory action for
removal to a home or hospital was not required. In two cases it
might have been necessary to apply for a Magistrate's Order but both
of the people concerned voluntarily entered hospital as their condition
rapidly deteriorated.
The remaining elderly people were enabled to obtain proper
care in their own homes in co-operation with the services of the
Area Health and Welfare Offices, and in some cases the Mental Health
Department.
Where hospital treatment is necessary the helpful consideration
of the Geriatrician at the Whittington Hospital, Dr. A. N. Exton-Smith,
and his staff, is always readily given and in some cases it has been
possible to admit an old person for 3 or 4 weeks in order to enable
other younger relatives to obtain a well earned rest. Home nurses
and home helps play a very great part in keeping old people in their
own homes and the staff of the Old People's Welfare Council in
providing various amenities and services contribute very considerably
to their happiness and wellbeing. The meals on wheels service
regularly provided by the Women's Voluntary Services, is one, the
value of which cannot be too strongly stressed. This organisation
also co-operates with the Borough Librarian in providing a library
book delivery service: thus enabling many housebound old people to
receive the benefit and enjoyment of regular reading matter.
CARE OF THE AGED
It is estimated that there are in the Borough approximately
15,600 persons of pensionable age, most of whom live a normal happy
life of retirement in their own homes. Some continue at full-time
work; others in part-time occupation.
Our attention is focussed on the lonely, infirm and the sick
aged. These important groups have at their disposal the service of
the following - general practitioners, personal health and environmental
health services, the statutory and voluntary welfare services,
the hospitals, the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, The
National Assistance Board and various other services such as dental,
ophthalmic and chiropody.
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