View report page

51
WELFARE OF (LP PEOPLE
A keen interest is shown by the Borough Council in the lives of
old people, and many and varied services are available to them0 In
many instances -those concerned much prefer, despite infirmity, to
continue to live in their own homes; in such cases the Council's social
worker and helpers from various voluntary bodies are able to greatly
improve the lot of aged people by informal and regular visiting, the
provision and delivery of hot meals on four days in each week, arranging
the supply of library books, and attending to other personal needs,
whilst every endeavour is made to obviate any feeling of "assistance"
that might existo To further this work the Borough Council makes an
annual grant of £350 to an Old People's Committee.
At the present time 613 persons are on the Council's register.
In 1950, only 106 cases were being considered, but 507 were added
during last year, when a survey was carried out of a block of flats
managed by a Trust, and with the assistance of the Superintendent
thereof it was ascertained that of ihe total population of 1,514, some
514- were eligible to receive the services under consideration.
The following short summaries will give some impression of ihe
work undertaken
Hot Meals. This service operates daily from Monday to Thursday in each
week, and has steadily grown in popularity, and the average.weekly
distribution has risen from 150 to 220, which latter figure is the
maximum attainable at the present time,, Much of the grant mentioned
above is expended under this headingo
Chiropody. The services of a qualified chiropodist are greatly
appreciated, and 228 treatments were given during the year to 34 persons,
of whom 28 were regularly attended in their own homes. A fee of two
shillings per visit is paid by the patients.
Holidays. 75 people were able to enjoy holidays in the country or at
the seaside, returning to their own homes greatly benefitted. Transport
was provided voluntarily by the owners of private cars.
Visiting and Shopping. Members of the British Red Cross Society are
regularly visiting 38 old people, and also escort them when they have to
attend at the out-patients' departments of various hospitals. At other
times they help with shopping and the collection of pensions where it is
not possible for those concerned to leave their homes.
Library. The British Red Cross Society also operate a regular visiting
library which is much appreciated. At the present time, thirty aged
persons take advantage of this facility.
Wheelchairs for both indoor and outdoor use are available, free of charge,
all the year round.