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I would like to express my appreciation of the work carried out by the staff at
the Laboratory who, during the course of the year, have given considerable advice and
help to the Public Health Department.
The number of samples taken in respect of milk, ice cream, domestic water supplies
and swimming pools is shown elsewhere in the report.
WELFARE OP OLD PEOPLE
I am indebted to County Councillor Miss E.M. Weavers, B.A., P.R.S.A., Chairman of
the Hendon Old People's Welfare Committee and to Mr. E.B. Pinder Davis, Hon. Secretary,
for the Report for the year 1961-62.
"VISITING. Probably one of the most important activities for an Old People's
Welfare Committee is the visiting of elderly people in their homes. There are in
Hendon about 10,000 people above the age of 70. Of these the great majority do not
require help from us. But in dealing with figures of this magnitude it should be
remembered that even 2½% 10,000 gives 250, and such a number would require a fairly
numerous staff to keep in touch with regularly. Those who are on the waiting list for
accommodation in hospitals or homes will be visited fairly frequently by one or other of
the statutory officers concerned. It is, of course, appreciated that much valuable work
involving personal visits is already being done in the Borough. For example, the W.V.S.
have about 70 names on their "Meals on Wheels" list. Although these visits have to be
somewhat fleeting they provide a valuable and regular link with the outside world for
those who receive this valuable service. A similar number of housebound elderly
people receive chiropody treatment in their homes under the Service provided by the
Middlesex County Council which the Committee operates. This is also for us a valuable
source of information. Further, each of the numerous organisations affiliated to the
Old People's Welfare Committee does visiting among members of its own clubs and every
endeavour is made not to lose sight of those who have fallen out of active membership
of the clubs to which they may have belonged.
Cases which are brought directly to the notice of the Committee are visited by
the Hon. Secretary and,so far as facilities allow, arrangements are made for the
allocation of a volunteer visitor. Since the beginning of 1961 about 150 home visits
have been made from this office. The Committee are convinced that this branch of
their activity could well be extended to meet the growing need and to obtain better
co-ordination of the work done by the various organisations, churches and clubs.
It is felt that for this service to function efficiently a whole time Supervisor
is essential. The Committee's views have, therefore, been submitted to the Hendon
Borough Council with a request that they give consideration to making such an
appointment possible. Meanwhile, a Home Visiting Sub-Committee which includes Dr.
Patton, Dr.Binks and Mr.Holland has been formed to decide upon the scope of this
work. A group of volunteer visitors is being built up. More names will be welcome.
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