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were admitted to Hospitals after submission by the practitioner of
a report by me on their home conditions. The majority of these cases
entered Langthorne or St. George's Hospitals, and many now spend
periods of six weeks in Hospital and six weeks at home, on a regular
basis. This solves the problem in many cases, giving the relatives
regular respite and opportunities to take a holiday, and the patient
the feeling that he is having adequate medical care, and yet is not
cut off from his home and family. There are a few sad cases where
the relatives try to turn over to the State old persons who could
well be cared for at home, but my experience is that this is not so
common as is occasionally stated. Two cases thought to need a
Hospital bed were refused admission after a visit from a Consultant.
Of the 96 cases admitted to Hospital, 57 died; the majority were
aged 80 or more and were suffering from incurable conditions. From
the many persons visited by me on discharge from Hospital,
complaints are very rare indeed. The majority speak highly of the
kindness, comfort and good food supplied. Several begged me to
secure their re-admission for the Christmas holiday because they were
warmer and better fed in Hospital than they could afford to be at
home.
The saddest cases are the mentally confused, many of whom are
physically fit, and cause great distress to their relatives because they
become social misfits and the subject of complaints from neighbours,
shopkeepers, and others whom they annoy. A few of these were
admitted to Goodmayes Hospital and some to special wards at
Langthorne Hospital, but they are the most difficult group to find
accommodation for, even when they can afford to pay well.
The greatest general problem of the year was that of accommodation
for reasonably fit old persons, and this problem will
increase. Many have received notice to quit under the new Rent
Act, others are finding the upkeep of a house too much for them,
both financially and otherwise. Many are living in large houses of
which they only occupy the ground floor because they find climbing
the stairs impossible or too exhausting. They are not allowed by
landlords to solve their problem by subletting. Others who own
a property fear to let rooms lest they become victims of unsuitable
tenants which unfortunately is something only too common to find.
I referred 29 persons to the Essex County Council Welfare Department
for Pact 3 Accommodation but there are very long waiting lists for
this, few can afford Private Old People's Homes, average fees for
which are six guineas weekly. From those admitted to Part 3
Accommodation I have received many messages and letters praising
the conditions. Cases who do not settle happily are most rare.
There are approximately 600 elderly and aged persons who have
applied for Old Age Pensioners' Flats. Many of these are living
in very unsuitable conditions, some having to carry water and coal
upstairs, and refuse down. Domestic Help Service relieves the problem
in many instances but is never a complete solution to it. Conditions
of some of the persons listed are quite good but there is little doubt
that most would live a fuller life in a self-contained flat surrounded
by persons of their own age group.
Tribute must be paid to the W.V.S., and Ilford Social Service
Association, who respectively run the Meals on Wheels Scheme.
Chiropody Service, night attendant service, meal voucher scheme.
Old Age Pensioners' Club and holiday schemes, etc., which bring
comfort and brightness into the lives of so many of our old folk.
Ilford old people are in the main a very cheerful courageous
and independent spirited section of the community and a pleasure
and inspiration to work among."