London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Dagenham 1962
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Dagenham]
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DOMESTIC HELP
An analysis of the hours of service rendered by Domestic Help Service during 1962 is given in the following table:—
| Type of case | No. of cases | Hours help provided |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity | 37* | 1,257 |
| Tuberculosis | 16 | 3,228 |
| Acute sick | 48 | 1,827 |
| Chronic sick—aged | 603 | 78,910 |
| Chronic sick—others | 88 | 16,505 |
| Aged—not sick | 4 | 318 |
| Others | 17 | 3,193 |
| Night attendance | 3 | 70 |
| TOTAL | 816 | 105,508 |
| * Including toxaemia of pregnancy | 9 | 333 |
| Number of visits paid by Organiser | 1,753 | |
| Average number of domestic helps employed each week | 99 | |
| Average number of night attendants | 2 | |
| Number of visits paid by domestic helps during the year | 61,220 | |
| Numbr of visits paid by night attendants | 7 | |
Although the total figures of the number of cases assisted and the hours of help
provided are similar to those for last year, there has been an increase in the demands
made upon the service by chronically ill aged patients. In order to keep these elderly
people at home, where most of them prefer to be, a daily service is often required. This
can be a very satisfactory arrangement, especially where there are relatives who are able
and willing to share the responsiblity of caring for the patient. But the Home Help
Service cannot, and is not intended to, take over the whole responsibility of such care
from the relatives. It is to be noted that shortage of accommodation in chronic-sick
hospitals at times delays the admission of patients who really require the attention that
only a hospital can give. With the increase in the number of chronic sick aged patients
there is an increased number of inconinent cases, for whom the soiled laundry service is
invaluable.
A brighter note in the care of the elderly was struck recently during the very cold
spell. An old lady confined to bed was asked whether she would like her hot water
bottle refilled; on turning back the bed clothes to get this the help found that the patient
was cuddling her bottle of whisky. She said "have a drop dear, and drink my health."
The number of cases of tuberculosis still remains agreeably low and all the helps
working in this type of household realise that they are making a big contribution in
helping towards recovery.
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