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course of a meal, still left the old person rather more to pay than he could afford. We have
now brought in additional restaurants in the borough and increased the value of the voucher
to 9d. There are signs that this scheme is being more frequently used than heretofore.
The provision of meals in the home through the Invalid Kitchens has continued during
1951. 9,335 meals were provided for approximately 73 individuals. The recipients were
housebound and other arrangements for the provision of meals were not available. The meal
was provided in most cases five days a week.
We have continued to supply wireless sets to old people and at the time of writing this
report the number of old persons in the borough who are using wireless sets provided by the
association is 24. In some cases owing to lack of electricity in the house we have had to supply
battery sets. This has not been too satisfactory but we have now made reasonable arrangements
for servicing the sets and for the replacement of batteries.
The medical clinic for old people has continued and Dr. Tracy has attended regularly
every week and has been available for consultation for approximately 10 to 12 people at each
session. These clinics have disclosed many of the difficulties of old people. Physical defects
are not the only troubles. Loneliness is perhaps the most serious and this is often accompanied
by depression. Deafness sometimes accentuates both these conditions. The old people have
welcomed the opportunity of discussing their troubles with a doctor. Advice has been asked
and usually taken. Many individuals have been referred to their own doctor or to hospital
and they have been told and advised how to obtain many of the benefits which are available
to them.
The scheme upon which S.P.A.C.A. works is, as I have said, a very happy example of
municipal and voluntary effort. Admittedly most of the money has been found by the Council
contributing, under Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, to a voluntary association
which includes amongst its functions the provision of meals and recreation to old people, but
voluntary subscriptions have also been available. A dance organised during the year raised
£148 5s. 6d. and £75 was received from Alexandra Rose Day.
Whilst it is the Public Health Department that is most intimately concerned with the
work of S.P.A.C.A. it is by no means the only department. The minutes have been kept and
the administration organised by the voluntary services of the Town Clerk and members of his
department, whilst the Borough Treasurer has acted as Hon. Treasurer to the Association.
A very material contribution to the welfare of old people has, moreover, been made by the
Housing Department, and the following extract from a report of the Housing Manager gives
some indication of that department's care for old people.
"The whole of the borough for housing purposes is divided into eight
administrative areas, each area being under the control of an Estate Manager who
has complete information regarding the old people residing in Borough Council
property within his area.
The total number of old people in property under the control of the Council
is 394, which comprises 66 couples, 216 single women and 46 single men, and my
records show that of the 66 couples, 51 live by themselves and 15 live with relatives.
Of the 216 single women 165 live alone and 51 live with relatives. Of the 46 single
men 38 live alone and 8 with relatives.
Full details of old people on the Council's Housing Estates are known either
to the Estate Manager, the Resident Caretaker or Responsible Tenant, and their
numerous problems are promptly dealt with and generally overcome. Where the old