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22
solve the problem unless many more establishments could be provided.
Nevertheless, 56 persons known to me applied for Part 3 accommodation
during the year. Lest it be assumed from this, or from the continued
existence of waiting lists, that the idea is not so unattractive
as my previous remarks suggest, I would point out that among this
number were persons living with relatives who made it quite clear that
they no longer wanted them, others with landlords constantly urging
them to make other arrangements, and many mildly mentally confused
persons. About 98% were reluctant applicants, choosing the lesser
of two evils. Nor is the fact that they remain in Part 3 accommodation
any indication that they are happy there. For most of them it
is an irretrievable step because they have had to surrender their
former accommodation.
More self-contained bed-sitting room and one-bedroom flats, or
some other self-contained unfurnished units with communal meals and
common rooms, are the best possible solution.
It would also help if more landlords would allow elderly tenants
to sublet to other elderly persons.
Holiday accommodation presents another difficulty. Many old
persons come to me seeking a brief change by the sea at a low cost.
There are some hotels and boarding establishments which cater for
old persons at reduced rates outside the busy summer season, but the
very old are not always acceptable, and often lack the confidence to
go to such places. A holiday in a private house with a family who
will accompany them on outings and give unobtrusive supervision is
the most suitable arrangement but the least easy to provide.
Invitations still come to me from various sources to address meetings
of local organisations. These are usually followed by some
continued interest being shown in the old people, especially at Christmas
time when requests arrive for lists of names of old persons to
whom a gift can be sent.
Prominent among those rendering unobtrusive small kindnesses to
the aged are personnel employed in the Essex County Council domestic
help service. I hear frequently of little unselfish acts performed outside
their working hours and in excess of their duties. Neither is it
uncommon to hear of a Hospital Nurse spending her off-duty day
visiting an ex-patient who lives alone, or of a shop assistant calling
on an aged customer.
In April I attended the 9th National Conference organised by
the National Old People's Welfare Council at Church House, Westminster.
This afforded me an opportunity of meeting other workers in
the field, of listening to some very inspiring speakeis, and of joining in
lively discussions.
There were 733 delegates attending this Conference, and I found
it a tonic to be reminded by the sight of such a large, enthusiastic
gathering, and by the trend of the discussions, that I am not, as I
sometimes feel, struggling in isolation with rare problems, but one
of a vast number of workers daily encountering almost identical difficulties,
which difficulties constantly exercise the minds of some of the
best brains in our country, and engaged in a very worth while occupation
in a Borough which, when I compare it with others of a similar
type and size, I know I can justly be proud of its provisions for the
elderly within its boundaries."
The laundry service for cleansing of soiled bed linen and personal
clothing continued to operate throughout the year, proving of invaluable
assistance in very difficult cases.
During the year 70 persons were assisted and 16,359 articles were
laundered."