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Information in a guide handbook for old people has been issued
widely by the Old People's Welfare Committee through sub-post
offices, libraries and shops and by Officers of the National Assistance
Board and by voluntary organisations. With the establishment of a
Day Centre more old people will become known and in time a fairly
comprehensive register will be available.
The Emergency Call Scheme (Beckenham) has proved its worth
and the voluntary committee operating it have produced a flashing
warning light for attachment to the Help Card and use at night which
may be generally adopted.
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.
Visiting is carried out by members of various organisations such as
the W.V.S. Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs and various Townswomen's
Guilds.
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 is obtained concerning details
of relatives membership of clubs, provision of services, means of
income, accident prevention safeguards, ability to manage at home or
need for admission to old peoples 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.
Hospital Visiting
The Rotary Club co-operates with a voluntary Committee in the
north-western area of the Borough in arranging transport for infirm
persons wishing to visit hospital.
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