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Care of the Aged.
With the increasing proportion of the population who live on
until regarded as aged, considerable attention has been focussed
on their health and welfare. Numerous Old People's Associations
have been set up and the W.V.S. and Guild of Social Service also
assist, their main object being to see that the aged have friends
visiting them and have the food and amenities they need. Special
social clubs have been organised and one Home for the
elderly has been opened in Purley, mainly through voluntary effort.
The County Council has also provided two similar Homes just
outside the District and the Urban District Council has organised
and subsidised a 'Meals on Wheels' service for those who would
benefit by the delivery of two hot meals a week, the actual distribution
being made by members of the W.V.S. Gradually more
geriatric specialists are being appointed, initially to deal with the
treatment of the aged, sick and the priority of admission to hospital
of those who need it. Advances in our knowledge in respect of the
whole problem of ageing can be anticipated.
National Assistance Act, Sections 47 and 50.
The powers given under Section 47 for securing the removal
of aged persons from insanitary conditions were only utilised once
during 1957. The person concerned has since been living under
greatly improved conditions in a private nursing home at her own
expense.
Periodically border line cases occur in which the Welfare
Officers seek advice, but every endeavour is made to find a satisfactory
solution without resorting to compulsory powers, especially
as the latter are so limited in their application.
Under Section 50 the District Council is responsible for the
disposal of the remains of any person dying in the District, where
suitable arrangements would not otherwise be made, and during
the year the Council dealt with one case of this type.
Health Education.
Constant attention is given to the opportunities for health
propaganda at the Clinics and Centres in the area and during the
visits made by the Health Visitors and Public Health Inspectors.
In addition each year a number of talks are given by the Officers
to various organisations who request their assistance. If time permitted
doubtless more of these could be given to advantage.
The material supplied by the Central Council for Health
Education and other bodies is extremely useful.
Welfare Services.
The members of the Health Services work in close cooperation
with the local representatives of the County Council's
Welfare, Children's and Education Departments and such voluntary
bodies as the Guild of Social Service, N.S.P.C.C. and Marriage
Guidance Council.
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