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Following the issue of the Lifebelt Emergency Call Card to each
person, information is being collected by a member of the Committee
and will form the basis for further visiting and other personal services.
This scheme, therefore, goes a stage further than the National Lifebelt
Emergency Call Scheme which has recently been set up.
In the meantime visiting is carried out by members of various
organisations such as the W.V.S., Rotary and Inner Wheel Club and
various Townswomen's Guilds. Elderly persons may then be accompanied
while shopping or taken out for walks. The need for grants in
cash or goods or assistance of various kinds is determined at these
visits.
Selective and emergency visits of qualified nurses to old persons
are made by health visitors of the County Health Authority. At these
visits the nature of the emergency is determined and information obtained
concerning details of relatives, membership of club, provision
of services, income and means of accident prevention and need for
admission to old people's homes.
Care in Homes
Admissions to old people's homes are either arranged privately,
or if to county maintained homes, by the family doctor through the
District Officer. A comprehensive list of the 42 Rest Homes and Old
People's Homes and 32 Nursing Homes within a 5 mile radius is also
maintained in the Beckenham Health Department.
A domestic help service, which includes a night attendant and
evening service, is provided by the County Health Authority in suitable
cases and for an assessed charge. Where possible, nursing requisites,
aids, equipment and bedding are provided and Home Nurses attend to
give treatments for those nursed at home, by arrangement between the
family doctor and the District Officer.
Help with laundry and baths, when required, is provided by the
special concessions to pensioners provided by two launderettes and
facilities at the Central Baths at reduced charges.
The Librarian arranges for the collection and change of books if
elderly persons are unable to make the journey to the libraries.
Housing Accommodation
For elderly persons on their housing list points scheme the Council
have over the years provided more than 200 flats or flatlets on various
estates through the Borough.
Accommodation in private houses in suitable cases may be
arranged by the North-West Kent Council of Social Service.
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