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OXLOW LANE CLINIC
FOR THE OVER SIXTIES
Since the clinic has been operating for over three years, this seems an appropriate
time to take stock. The numbers of over sixties seen in that time are not very large and
this, together with the fact that multiple pathology is the rule rather than the exception,
makes classification difficult. A table is appended giving some details of those completing
their investigations during 1960.
It was unusual to find a patient who did not need chiropody, and varying degrees
of deafness were not uncommon—some cured by simple syringing of the ears. The
primary purpose of the clinic is to keep people active and well for as long as possible,
and in rare instances only has it been found that patients have suffered invalidism and
dependence for any length of time.
The "exercise classes" continued to function, though perhaps the name is a misnomer
in that the activities have extended much beyond simple physical exercises. An
average of about 25 patients attended the classes and an attempt was made to encourage
the members to select their own leader for group discussion.
Towards the end of the year it was becoming obvious that an expansion of present
activities of the clinic should be taking place. The chief limiting factor to this expansion
is shortage of staff and limited accommodation.
With adequate help the mental health of the over sixties could receive more detailed
attention and the services of an interested psychiatrist and psychologist, to be called upon
as needed, would be of great assistance in dealing with some of the problems which
arise.
There is a need, also, for a further clinic in another part of the Borough but this
could not be undertaken with present limited staff.
Inadequate premises have also prevented any attempt at the development of the
clinic as an after care centre for patients discharged home from hospital, and in the few
cases where this has been attempted the infrequency of sessions was the obvious cause
of failure where continual support was needed to help the patient at home. Three or
four sessions would be the weekly minimum for this service.
Many of the patients who passed through the clinic failed to receive full benefit as
they have not attended either the exercise classes or the discussion groups. This has been
mainly due to shortage of staff time to follow them up and to encourage them to attend.
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