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25
Among the 42 persons referred to the Essex County Council for
admission to Part 3 accommodation were several who were not
wanted by their families. Some were undoubtedly difficult to live
with and others were not fit to be left alone all day while their
families were at business. An extending of the domiciliary services
would ease the demand for Part 3 accommodation. The home help
service in particular needs expanding and we should not be satisfied
with the Meals-on-Wheels Service until a meal is delivered' daily,
except perhaps on Saturdays and Sundays, when relatives and neighbours
are free from their employment and should be able to assist. I
might be criticised for suggesting that neighbours should be expected
to do anything but experience has shown me that if every citizen
gave simple practical assistance the problem of how to prevent
neglect of our older generation would be halved.
The lot of 55 persons who consulted me in a state bordering
upon despair would have been greatly eased by an increase of local
authority and neighbourly help. The majority of these persons were
women, but about a third of them were unmarried sons, brothers, or
husbands of old persons. A number of them were of pensionable age,
and longing to relax a little, but compelled to work even harder than
formerly because of their responsibilities towards an aged relative
either physically ill, mentally deteriorated or both. The middle aged
are now being exhorted to make preparation for retirement and this is
excellent. Courses on this subject are being held throughout the
country and middle aged and elderly persons are being encouraged
to attend. I have read some literature upon this subject. Advice to
women neatly summed up in one little booklet handed to persons who
have attended a course reads, "You are both going to have more free
time", "Your children will be looking after themselves", "Your husband
will have his pleasures, like going to the pub., so you will
need yours". Suggestions are:— "Take an interest in public life,
join a Club, enrol at an evening class", "Get into the habit of
reading", "Friends will be important to you".
Among the advice to both sexes is:— "Move into a smaller
house, if necessary". "Your income will be only barely sufficient,
so close the gap with part-time employment or with income from a
hobby*.
Included is a little discussion entitled "Should we go and
live with the children".
This is very valuable to a large proportion of middle aged persons;
but it must have a very hollow ring for many such as the 55