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6
At the time of writing this report meals in the home have been provided to about
80 housebound persons. In most cases the recipient has a meal brought to him five days a
week. The number of recipients at any one time is approximately 50 and about 800 meals
are being provided each month. It will be seen therefore that the population receiving meals
in their own homes is not static : in some cases meals are only needed during temporary illness,
in other cases they are stopped on account of death or admission to hospital.
I am satisfied that these meals have been well received. They improve the health of
many old people and promote happiness and comfort.
There are in addition a number of old people who by reason of their own infirmity or
lack of accommodation, cannot prepare meals regularly for themselves in their own homes.
For these, arrangements are made for them to receive a grant towards the cost of a meal in
one of the L.C.C. restaurants in the borough.
Dr. Tracy and I have been impressed by the fact that a number of old people do not
seem to be adequately nourished and that this inanition results in anaemia and a certain
amount of mental inertia and depression. We are optimistic enough to express the hope
that the provision of meals to many of these people will mean an improvement, not only in
physical but also in mental health. We have reason for this statement for we have often
noted the improvement which has resulted from the admission of old people to hospital or
institution as a result of the provision of good food alone, apart from other treatment.
Holidays of a fortnight's duration have been supplied at the time of writing this report
to 65 old persons. The average age of one party who had a holiday at Ramsgate was 74.25.
A wireless set has been provided to 18 old persons, and comforts such as hot water
bottles and the like to a number of others.
One of the troubles of old age, however, is loneliness. The St. Pancras Association
for the Care of the Aged is attempting to meet this by enrolling the services of a large number
of ladies and gentlemen who are prepared to visit one, two or even more old people regularly
each week and to report to me their needs and troubles. There are about 140 persons being
visited by such voluntary helpers.
In addition to this, at the request of the St. Pancras Association for the Care of the
Aged, the Council has appointed a Health Officer, who is a trained nurse, to make routine
visits to old persons living in a specific area of the borough. Miss Mackie commenced her
duties on 27th November, 1950.
Lastly, we have commenced a clinic where old people can come and consult Dr. Tracy,
your Deputy Medical Officer of Health, and at this clinic there is held a regular chiropody
session.
It may be thought that this report on the work of the St. Pancras Association for the
Care of the Aged is out of place in my annual survey. The St. Pancras Association for the
Care of the Aged is a voluntary association. It receives, however, a substantial grant from
the Council which initiated its formation. It represents a happy co.operation between local
authority and voluntary association. Senior officers of your Council are Honorary Officers
of the Association and we trust that the S.P.A.C.A. has been formed on a firm and sound
basis. I personally am grateful both to the voluntary associations and to the Council for the
opportunity that has been afforded me to help a section of persons in this borough in need
of the services that are being provided.