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Already known to the Department 28%
Already receiving assistance 10%
Moved away, died, etc. 13%
Found not requiring assistance 69%
Found requiring assistance 8%
Thus approximately 1 in 13 persons over 70 years of age were found to
require some kind of assistance. Had those of pensionable age (men 65,
women 6o) been included in the survey doubtless the percentage found to be
in need of help would have been appreciably lower. A visiting card was
left with those persons not requiring assistance at present to enable them
to make contact with the Public Health Department should the need arise.
In any event, they will be revisited at intervals as frequently as possible,
but at least annually.
Liaison is maintained with statutory and voluntary bodies e.g. the
Stepney Old People's Welfare Association, London County Council, National
Assistance Board, local hospitals and particularly with Dr.C.P.Silver, local
Consultant Geriatrician. An example of liaison which exists is that
hospitals notify this Department when an old person is about to be discharged
so that any welfare services can be arranged beforehand, such as
a home help, meals-on-wheels.
The Council's contribution to the old people's welfare services in the
Borough for the year 1963-4. amounted to £23,500, which included grants for
the mobile meals service, old people's holidays, workrooms, administrative
expenses of the Stepney Old People's Welfare Association, and grants to
various old people's clubs.
There are 18 old people's clubs in the Borough, all affiliated to the
Stepney Old People's Welfare Association.* One club closed during the
year and a new one opened. The Council is represented on the Association
by the Chairman of the Public Health Committee and other members of the
Council and by the Medical Officer of Health, A list of clubs and the
facilities thereat will be found on page 82} the photograph facing this
page was taken at lunch time at one of the clubs.
The Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee concurred with
the views expressed by the Central Consultative Committee for the Welfare
of Old People on the subject of day centres and clubs for the elderly,
suggesting that mobile and infirm old people be catered for at the same
premises and that in addition to midday meals and social activities it
was desirable to provide bathing and chiropody services on the site.
The mobile meals service operated by the Stepney Old People's Welfare
(*) Hon.Secty., The Stepney Old People's Welfare Association,
Liraehouse Town Hall, Commercial Road, E.14.
Voluntary visitors are urgently needed and should apply to the Secretary.
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