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and of the remaining 184 a few were known to me in
1954 and have been visited by me at intervals since.
The average age of the persons visited is becoming
steadily greater year by year, and is now over 80
years, many being over 85 years and a few over 90
years. Many of those over 85 years are astoundingly
alert and active.
Housing problems , (among which I include cases
referred by the Housing Office for consideration for
priority rehousing on medical grounds) numbered 69.
Persons visited while listed for, and awaiting
admission to Hospital, or within a few days of discharge,
numbered 124. These were cases dealt
with in close co-operation with Dr. Dunn, Consultant
Physician (Geriatrics). The purpose of these visits
was to act as a liaison with the Domestic Help
Organisers, W.V.S. , Ilford Social Services Association,
National Assistance Board, etc. , in arranging
domiciliary services to ease the patient, and those
ministering to him, during the wait between being
listed for admission, and entering Hospital, which
probably averaged two weeks. Loan of Sick Room
Equipment was arranged; laundry service for the
incontinent organised; second-hand linen sometimes
begged from some source to help those whose supply
was inadequate; marking tapes stitched on for those
who, unable to see, or too handicapped to do it themselves,
had no one else available to do it for them;
letters written to relatives and posted; Club Leaders
informed of members' illnesses, and a multitude of
other seemingly minor, but to the sick old person,
quite important, small services rendered.
Visits to these 124 following discharge, were to
check that domiciliary services were re-operating
and adequate; and that such things as walking aids and
wheel chairs, supplied for use at home, were in fact
in use, and satisfactory. Arrangements were made
for alterations to the height of beds and chairs in
some cases, and advice given about how to take precaution
against accidents. Many persons were put
in touch with voluntary visitors , and many neighbours
seen and told how to contact me in an emergency. I
leave my name and the office address and telephone