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13
Forty-nine sessions were held throughout 1964. Total attendances were 218, an increase of 10 per cent.
on the previous year, and 52 of the patients were new. Although the number of new cases was about the same,
the proportion of male attendances increased from 18 per cent. to 25 per cent. It is encouraging to note that
patients have begun to appreciate the value of repeated visits. A large variety of problems was dealt with, the
social ones being at least as common as the medical. Sad to say, there is a kind of quiet despair which is
common among the old, tending to lead to withdrawal from life and submission to disability. The clinic tries
to overcome this by means of advice and gentle encouragement. Often they are referred to other agencies, which
otherwise they might never have approached. Financial problems have been solved: illness has been cured or
at least made more bearable and many have found new opportunities for social life and fresh interests. Friendly
co-operation has been maintained with family doctors and numerous statutory and voluntary bodies.
Chronic undernourishment is unfortunately common among the elderly, among whom poverty and
apathy are liable to result in poor and ill-chosen diets. The introduction of Complan, a complete food supplement
in 1963, at reduced price, has proved highly popular. It was necessary, however, to keep a close check
on intake, since many patients were taking insufficient amounts. The National Assistance Board has been
informed of the need for this preparation in a number of cases, and has made extra grants.
Hospital treatment
Generally speaking, it is now easier to obtain admission for an aged patient, and the geriatric physician
and his almoner work in close co-operation with the local health and district authorities. However, there is
still a great need for more hospital accommodation. Compulsory powers for removing old people to a hospital
or hostel are only used when absolutely necessary, and then only after all other possibilities have been fully
explored.
The provisions of the National Assistance Act, 1948, and the National Assistance (Amendment)
Act, 1951, were outlined in previous annual reports. Three cases were investigated during the year. It was
possible to make them comfortable in their own homes by the provision of additional services, such as home
help, home nurse, meals on wheels and no further action was necessary.
Laundry service for the aged
The care of incontinent old people places a heavy burden on their relatives. The washing of soiled
bed linen and night clothes, particularly in cramped accommodation in winter, with inadequate facilities for
drying, adds another intolerable strain on relatives which finally convinces them that the only places where
the old people can receive reasonable care is in an institution. One way of postponing this is to do their laundry.
In April, 1952, the Council organised a laundry service for incontinent old people free of charge
under section 84 of the Public Health Act, 1936. The articles are laundered and ironed at a cost of 5d. per
lb. at Neasden Hospital, by arrangement with the Central Middlesex Group Hospital Management Committee.
Transport is provided by the Borough Council. 7 tons 8 cwt. of laundry were dealt with. The service has continued
to be greatly appreciated by old people and their relatives.

Voluntary Services for the Aged
The '49' Club organised by the Willesden Old Folks' Association celebrated its twelfth anniversary
in February. The Club still has a good membership and is open daily from 1.30 to 10 p.m. Several firms gave
donations to the Association's funds.
Fifty members and helpers went for a day trip to Southsea in June. From the 1st April, 1960, the
Middlesex County Council have been responsible for the chiropody service for the aged under section 28
v>f the National Health Service Act, 1946. The Willesden Old Folks' Association acts as an agent for the
County and arranges for the old people to have treatment. The five private chiropodists who have worked for
the Association for a number of years still carry out treatments in their own surgeries. In addition, treatments
are carried out at the Neasden, Kilburn Square, Mortimer Road, Stonebridge and Pound Lane Clinics by two
full-time and one part-time chiropodist employed by the County Council. When sufficient chiropodists are
recruited all treatments will be carried out at the clinics.
The service is still in great demand, and 5,414 treatments were given by the five chiropodists. New
applications receive initial treatment and are then placed on a register for periodic visits. In addition, 302
treatments were given to the housebound, and much credit is due to the Kilburn chiropodist who carries out
this work.
The standard charge for the service is 4/6d. it one foot is treated, or 9/- for treatment of both feet.
The treatment is free to old people in receipt of national assistance and those whose weekly income does not
exceed £5 per week for a single person or £8 per week for a married couple. One-half of the standard charge
is made to all other old people in receipt of retirement pensions, but if they feel they cannot afford to pay,
they may apply for the charge to be reduced or waived.
The Association still pays for treatments which cost £2,507 in 1964. A grant of £1,936 was recovered
from the Middlesex County Council.
The Willesden Division of the British Red Cross Society, Women's Voluntary Service, religious and
other organisations in the area run clubs for the old folk, arrange outings and their members visit them in
their own homes.