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BECKENHAM OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE SERVICES
It is estimated that there are approximately 2,400 men over 65
years and 5,800 women over 60 years in the Borough ; the number
in need is not known.
The main voluntary welfare work for old persons in need consists
of the provision of" Meals on Wheels " service, Clubs, holidays, home
visits, and emergency help for the handicapped. Home visits are
carried out at the request of organisations whose representatives
attend meetings of the Old People's Welfare Committee, and this
Committee can investigate requests for services and needs not already
provided for by existing statutory or voluntary services.
The main function of the Committee is to act as a meeting point
for representatives of organisations and departments interested in some
aspect of the welfare of old persons.
In the future, this Committee will be enlarged in scope and
membership, and executive functions will be carried out by smaller
Committees rather than as hitherto by individual members of the
main Committee.
Statutory services are provided by the County Welfare Authority,
and include provision of residential accommodation where there is
need for care and attention (Homes and Part 3 accommodation),
supervision of privately run Homes, provision of domestic help service
(including evening and night attendance), provision of home nursing
service, and grants towards certain Welfare services which include
recuperative holidays and loan of nursing requisites (including bedding)
either directly or through the British Red Cross Society.
Housing accommodation (separate dwellings or hostels) are
provided by the Borough Council which also contributes towards the
"Meals on Wheels" service and "Chiropody" service. Various
organisations, either directly from their own funds, or acting as agents,
provide a variety of services.
The services of the W.V.S. include the provision of recreation,
Clubs, meals and holidays. Other organisations help in various ways
as shewn below.
National Assistance Board
Issue supplementary pensions and grants for special needs.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Deal with enquiries concerning general welfare (sickness, meals,
medical, etc.) which are referred to the Old People's Welfare Committee,
or if the case is urgent, direct to the County Welfare Service District
Office, or concerning accommodation, which are referred to a Social
Worker employed by the Bureau's Headquarters (North-West Kent
Council of Social Service). This Social Worker arranges accommodation
either with families willing to take old people into their homes, or with
Societies such as the Abbeyfield for those who prefer their own
accommodation and will share a house and housekeeper with four or
five other old persons.
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