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type for old people who are too frail to look after themselves (and
who are excluded from the County's Old Peoples' Homes) yet who
do not require medical or skilled nursing attention (and who are thus
not really "hospital" cases).
Laundry Service for the Incontient
Once again the Borough Council's laundry service proved an
invaluable adjunct to the services provided in the home to care for
the chronic sick. During the year 20 cases were assisted.
Night Attendant Service
Another important service developed during the year by the
Health Area Sub-Committee was one of "night attendants" to sit in
with those elderly patients who are restless or inclined to wander at
night. The attendants are not qualified or expected to give any nursing
care, but simply to make the patient comfortable in the way a relative
would by adjusting pillows making hot drinks, etc., and calling in
help if needed. This assistance is of inestimable value to those relatives
who might otherwise have to sit up for nights on end with little or no
sleep and still carry out a full day's work.
Although provided through the Health Department, the attendants
are not directly employed by the County Council. They are paid by
the patient (or relatives) who are re-imbursed up to 15 -d. per night
at the end of the week. This system has proved somewhat clumsy
in operation and has on occasion prevented the relatives accepting the
service. I feel it would be preferable if we could employ the attendants
directly as we do Home Helps.
Employment of the Elderly
It is now being realized that two of the most important things
in the care of the elderly are preserving their sense of independence
and making them feel they still have a useful function in the life
the community, thereby helping to postpone the ageing process
Nowadays old people besides living somewhat longer are much
healthier, and an increasing proportion of those above present retiring
ages are both able and willing to continue at work. here is much
evidence to show they are also happier and healthier if allowed to do
so.
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