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4
frequently fell to the lot of one to continue to live with the parents
who were consequently looked after. To-day's circumstances are very
different, each of the smaller number of children of the family going his
or her own way, removing to distances from home. While the parents
are both alive they manage ; but difficulty arises when, on the death
of one, the other is left. They cling to their independence and are
opposed to entering an institution. There are many, too, who have some
small income but one which is insufficient to enable them to be accepted
in suitable homes. Although the position of these old people was before
presenting a growing problem which it was appreciated would have to
be studied, the war has accentuated the difficulties, more particularly
when these elderly persons succumb to some ailments, even though
only of a minor character. The situation of many has been made
distressing because the shortage of accommodation has prevented their
admission to any form of institution, whether hospital or nursing home,
while it is proving impossible to obtain the services of anyone to provide
attention in the home. It would seem that housing authorities will
need to devote more attention to finding the answer to the question of
the best way of housing these persons. One suggestion is the creation of
small colonies of self-contained units in which the occupants could feel
that they were retaining their independence, but colonies of sufficient
size to warrant the engagement of a matron-supervisor, and to provide
certain communal services so that there would be assurance that each
member of the colony was living under hygienic and safe conditions
and could easily obtain suitable nourishment.
In the Ministry of Health Circular 2604, which deals with the subject
of the Report for 1941, it is requested that for reasons of National security
population figures be not included.
I have the honour to be,
Mrs. Roberts and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
CARYL THOMAS,
Medical Officer of Health.
Council Offices,
Harrow-on-the-Hill.
August 13th, 1942.