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Central Register - In conjunction with this visiting work
the important task of compiling a comprehensive central register
of elderly persons requiring assistance is now well advanced, and
at the end of the year the register contained 3,433 names. Of
this total 800 were homebound, 52 also being bedridden.
The progress made in the preparation of this register has
been possible through the ready co-operation of medical practitioners,
the Borough Council's Housing Department staff, the County Council
officers, the district nurses, the National Assistance Board officers,
the W.V.S., the Home Help organisers, the Woolwich Council of Social
Service, and many others who responded to the appeal for information.
These workers and helpers were asked to notify the Health
Department of the names and addresses of any old person thought to
be genuinely needy and requiring help from one or other of the
various services available, particularly the homebound, the lonely,
and those in straightened circumstances, so that an early visit
could be made and they could be put in touch with those who might
be able to help. Supplies of pre-paid postcards were delivered
to all these workers, and when such a card is received by the
Department the old person is visited at the first opportunity.
A general enquiry office for old people's welfare has been
established in the Department.
MOBILE MEALS
The Women's Voluntary Service, who have been active in
delivering mobile meals in the Borough for some years, work in
close collaboration with the Borough Council in the running of this
service, the three meals vans being manned by W.V.S. drivers and
helpers.
At the end of the year the Old People's Welfare Committee
decided that in view of the increased waiting list for the mobile
meals service a new route should be started immediately In the
Woolwich and Plumstead area.
Each old person receives a meal three times a week, the meals
being supplied by two private caterers and by the Council's Catering
Department.
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