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80
Inevitably there are times when it becomes essential for old
people to enter a home or to be admitted to hospital. Before that
takes place however it is the constant endeavour of the staff of
my department to provide every possible assistance to them. In
this connection I am grateful to the health visitors, district nurses,
public health inspectors, social workers and home helps for their
excellent work. I also express my gratitude to the general practitioners,
whose care for the elderly patients in their charge contributes
so much towards the alleviation of ill-health and the
reduction of disability. General practitioners have many opportunities
of detecting disorders in old people during the early stage
of illness. A complementary service could be provided by clinics
for old people who would not otherwise come under the observation
of a doctor. I have held discussions about setting up advisory
health clinics for the elderly, but as yet the discussions have been
purely exploratory.
A frail old person living alone presents special problems, and
the problems become even greater if the old person decides not to
accept any domiciliary service, and neither relatives nor neighbours
are at hand to give the help and support which the occasion
demands. The general practitioner and the consultant geriatrician
may reach the conclusion that admission of an old person to
hospital is essential in order to treat the condition which is
threatening the patient's life. If despite advice the patient refuses
to be treated in hospital, the question of compulsory removal may
require consideration. Under the National Assistance Acts the
Medical Officer of Health is empowered to apply for an Order for
the compulsory removal to hospital of persons needing care and
attention, and who are living in adverse circumstances specified
by the Acts. On several occasions during the year the possibility
has arisen of having to resort to legal action in order to facilitate
medical treatment, but by dint of much perseverance and effort
on the part of the domiciliary workers all difficulties were overcome
and compulsory powers were never invoked.
With the agreement of the Chief Welfare Officer I list below
the seven old people's homes which his department maintains for
the care of the elderly:—
Brockle Bank, 77 Swaffield Road, S.W.18
Ashmead, 201 Cortis Road, S.W.15.
Carlton Lodge, 21 Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, Kent.
Holybourne, Holybourne Avenue, S.W.15.
Milton Close, 78 Swaffield Road, S.W.18.
Park Lodge, 6 Victoria Drive, S.W.19.
Yew Tree Lodge, 2 West Drive, Streatham, S.W.16.
In addition there are nine day centres for the elderly, three day
centres for the physically handicapped and six luncheon clubs.