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At the request of the hospital Almoners, visits have also been
paid to old people who have returned home from hospital and
needed settling in.
Members also visit some old people regularly and do shopping,
etc.
A trolley shop is operated at Farnborough Hospital, and the
members make a point of talking with the old, chronic sick, patients,
who look forward to this weekly visit.
Once a week members visit the psychiatric ward at Farnborough
Hospital and help the elderly patients with Occupational Therapy.
Meals on Wheels. During the year, 4,765 meals were cooked
at the Centre and taken out to old people in Orpington, St. Mary
Cray, Chelsfield, Green-Street-Green, Cudham, Knockholt and Petts
Wood. The old people pay 1s. per meal.
Two Darby and Joan Clubs are run, one at Farnborough and the
other at St. Mary Cray, and the average attendances are 36 and 50
respectively. No weekly subscription is charged, but the members
pay 6d. when they attend. They receive tea, scones and cake. Outings
are arranged from time to time, also entertainments, but members are
encouraged to make their own amusements. They all understand
that if they are worried or need help, we are ready to listen and do
what we can to assist them.
Orpington and District Old People's Welfare Committee.
I am indebted to the Honorary Secretary for the following brief
report:—
''The activities of the Committee during 1955 included 393 visits
to old people in hospital, plus a number of home calls, and in many
cases money and necessities were provided. The Orpington Over 60
Club, which is sponsored by the Committee, opens two whole days a
week, and averages 100 hot lunches and teas per week. Coach outings
to the coast and London are organised as well as stage shows in the
club room. Cheap holiday schemes are also taken advantage of.
Other Old People's Clubs are helped financially, especially for their
Christmas parties."
British Red Cross Society—Medical Loan Depot.
One medical loan depot is in operation in the district, where a full
range of nursing requisites is held and articles are available to local
residents. A small charge is normally made, but, in necessitous cases,
articles are loaned free.