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OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE
There are now some 20,000 residents in the Borough of
pensionable age, but fortunately only a small minority of those
over retirement age require urgent health and welfare help.
However, many new eases requiring assistance came to the
knowledge of the Health Department during the year, and in cooperation
with the various voluntary and statutory workers in this
field, all requests for help were promptly investigated and assistance
given or arranged wherever necessary.
The Council's Woman Visitor and her Assistant regularly visit
over 1,100 elderly persons in the Borough, who are often living
alone, and altogether these two Officers made over 5,000 visits for
this purpose during the year.
There is continued close co-operation with General Practitioners,
the County Council's Welfare Department, Home Help Organisers, the
National Assistance Board, the Borough Council Housing Department, and
with voluntary workers. Particular mention should be made of the
helpful assistance given by Dr. Lewis, the Geriatrician at the Brook
Hospital, and her staff. District Nurses, Home Helps, the W.V.S.,
and the staff of the Old People's Welfare Committee of the Council of
Social Service also play an important part in maintaining the happiness
and well-being of the elderly in the Borough,
It was not found necessary to apply to the Courts for the
compulsory removal of any person during the year. In several cases
the Department assisted in the voluntary admission of persons to
hospital or to a suitable Home.
INCONTINENT LAUNDRY SERVICE
In view of the increased demand during the year for the
laundering of soiled linen of the incontinent aged, this service was
expanded and a new washing machine and ironer were installed at the
Council's Disinfecting Station.
All applicants for this service are visited to ensure that no
other suitable arrangements can be made. The service is provided
under powers contained in the Public Health (London) Act, and the
work is carried out by the Department's disinfecting staff.
The average number of persons using this service at any one
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