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A revision of the register took place this year. Visits were made
to the homes of all old persons who had not been visited for some time;
many were found to have moved, some had died and for these and various
other reasons 417 were removed from the register.
In November a letter was addressed to some 300 persons or organisations
whose work brings them into contact with old people, e.g. general
practitioners, hospital almoners, voluntary and statutory welfare organisations,
churches, postmasters, members of the Council, etc., reminding
them of the services available in the Borough for the benefit of old people.
With the letter was enclosed a small poster inviting people to notify the
Medical Officer of Health of any old person found to be in need of care
and attention together with a supply of printed postcards for use in
notifying the Medical Officer of Health of any such person. The response
was heartening and attention was drawn to a number of old persons in need
of one or other of the services available.
The Department continued operating its laundry service for the
chronic sick who are unable by reason of ill-health, senility, etc. to
keep their personal laundry and bed linen in a clean condition. During
the year 412 parcels of laundry were dealt with.
In order to prevent injury, or danger of injury, to health, Section
43 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1953, operated by
the Borough Council, makes provision for the personal cleansing in their
own homes of aged persons who are verminous or otherwise in need of a
bath. 871 baths were given to 79 old people, during the year, by the
Borough Council's Home Bathing Service.
Grants may be made under Section 31 of the National Assistance Act,
1948, to voluntary associations whose activities include the provision of
recreation and meals for old people. Grants made by the Council to the
Stepney Old People's Welfare Association and to old people's clubs during
the year amounted to approximately £6,800. There are 19 old people's
clubs in the Borough, sixteen being affiliated to the Stepney Old People's
Welfare Association.*
The Council is represented on this body by the Chairman of the
Public Health Committee and other members of the Council and by the
Medical Officer of Health, and applications made to the Council by old
people's clubs for grants under the National Assistance Act, 1948, are
referred to the Association for investigation.
The Stepney Old Age Pensioners Club at Holy Trinity Hall, Maplin
Street ceased to function during the year and a new club opened, viz.,
Our Lady's Pensioners Club, Commercial Road, E.14.
A list of Clubs and the facilities thereat will be found on page 77.
* Hon.Secretary, The Stepney Old People's Welfare Association,
St.Katharine's, Butcher Row, Cable Street, E.14. (Tel: STEpney Green 3659).
Voluntary visitors are urgently needed and should apply to the
Secretary.
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