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44
Altogether it has been a very successful year, but it is apparent that
the raising of funds by voluntary effort must continue at the present level
to meet the commitments that arise during the year.
Domiciliary Meals for Old People.
In December, 1956 I reported to the Committee regarding a scheme
that had been put into effect with the Borough of Leyton Welfare
Services Committee, and I quote from my report regarding this matter:
The problem of ensuring that Old People have an adequate
diet is one which has had quite a considerable amount of attention
in recent years with the increasing longevity of life. It has been
found that when old people are examined, twenty per cent, of them
are under-nourished, and that many cases of anaemia are caused
by nutritional defects. The reason for an inadequate diet is often
apathy and, particularly with old people living alone, the diet is often
mainly bread, margarine and tea.
Local Authorities and Voluntary Services in many parts of
the country have tackled this problem by providing a Meals on
Wheels Service, but owing to transport difficulties the old people in
this Area at that time received meals only twice a week, and the
number of meals supplied is consequently limited.
Voluntary Services supply a meal at the Town Hall, but this
facility is only of help to old persons who are ambulant. Neither of
these Services cater for the individual likes and dislikes of the
person concerned.
With the Co-operation of the Borough of Leyton Welfare
Services Committee a pilot scheme of this nature is being tried in the
area for six months with twelve selected cases, and in these selected
cases the beneficiary will be given a sum of 6/3d. per week with
which to purchase supplementary food for one, two or more weekly
lunches. The Domestic Helps will be issued with specimen menus
as a general line of guidance in order to achieve a balanced diet,
and the beneficiaries should be encouraged to suggest items for their
lunch so that their individual likes and dislikes may be respected.
The general practitioner in charge of the patient will be informed
of the scheme.
I am sure there will be an enthusiastic response by the Domestic
Helps in the working of this scheme as every woman enjoys cooking
a satisfying meal, especially one which she knows a recipient will
enjoy.
The Domestic Help Organiser has arranged a panel of Domestic
Helps whom it is considered will be suitable persons to deal with
the cases selected, and the Health Visitors concerned have been
notified so that they may keep observation and report regarding the
effect the improved diet has had on the patient.
Domestic Help Services.
During the year it was evident that the estimates in respect of the
Domestic Help Service would be considerably exceeded and I made a
comprehensive report to the Committee regarding the calls on the Service.
As so much of this report was of interest in the problem of the care of
old people I set out hereunder the relevant extracts: