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26
There have been many publications of late entitled
"Preparing for Old Age" etc. , and a definite
effort is being made in the field of social case work
to encourage those in middle life to look ahead and
plan for their retirement. This I think is a good thing.
I would like to see the utmost effort made to encourage
persons to take a long and thoughtful look
at their accommodation in early middle life and to
ask themselves "will I be able to climb those stairs,
descend that rear doorstep, get into that particular
bath, afford the repairs and maintenance, and either
till or find someone else to till that particular garden
when I am elderly?". Then while still earning and
able to afford it, an extra handrail can be added to
the staircase, perhaps two shallow door steps take
the place of one steep one, a shallower bath be installed,
the money be put aside to thoroughly repair
and redecorate the premises a year or so before
retirement, or perhaps an annuity purchased to help
with rates. Or even better, it might be possible to
make a move to a bungalow or to a smaller property,
or a move nearer to transport, shops, and other
amenities. The percentage of aged among our population
increases year by year. We cannot allow
people to take it for granted that they can go blithely
on without giving a thought to such things until the
day after retirement and then expect the local authority
to be able to arrange rehousing.
Some of those to whom we were obliged to explain
that there is little hope of Ilford Borough Council
ever being in a position to offer them housing
accommodation decided to apply to Essex County
Council for Part 3 accommodation. Sixty-six persons
were referred by either Dr. Dunn or myself to the
Welfare Department of the County. A few have been
admitted but the average waiting period for any but
extremely urgent cases seems to be about 18 months.
A few persons with a little capital to spend, or
with relatives able to give them financial assistance
for a limited period, go to Private Homes pending
an offer of accommodation. A very considerable proportion
of my time is spent in seeking this accommodation,
and in replying to letters and telephone
enquiries relating to persons on the Part 3 waiting