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23
Six persons were dealt with during the year — a male, aged
76 and females aged 77, 69, 73, 86 and 82 years, respectively.
(b) Section 50 requires a Local Authority to arrange for the burial
or cremation of a person who has died or been found dead, and
where it appears to the Local Authority no suitable arrangements
are being made for the disposal of the body.
Six burials were required to be arranged during 1964:— a
a female, aged 87, who died in an old persons' home
a male, aged 65, who died in a cinema
a male, aged 75, who died at home
a male, aged 64, who died at home
a male, aged 65, who died at home
a female, aged 73, who died at home
Miss M.J. Copping, Welfare Officer for Old Folk, reports as follows:—
"Case work undertaken by me in 1964 followed an almost
identical pattern to that of 1963. The total number of cases dealt
with was slightly lower: 620 in 1964; 657 in 1963. Total number of
domiciliary visits paid was 638. Interviews numbered 313, and were
mostly with relatives or friends of old persons. There were also
numerous discussions with other social workers, e.g. Medical Social
Workers, Psychiatric Social Workers, National Assistance 3oard
Officers and personnel from interested voluntary bodies.
There was a slight decrease in new cases referred; the total
number being 335 against 390 in 1963. A first visit to an old person
about whom the worker has no previous knowledge beyond that
furnished in a brief phone call or letter from the source of reference
can be very time consuming. Confidence must be won; often against
the heavy odds of dogged independence or a pre-determined refusal
to co-operate. Sometimes the designation "Welfare Officer" has
caused fearful anticipation. The dread of being "put away" is uppermost
in the thoughts of many old persons. Deafness may prolong an
interview to the length of half a day's work. Certainty that remarks
and questions have not been misheard or misunderstood is very
important. Wrong information inadvertently imparted or received can
have far reaching effects. Hurt feelings too can result, and a consequent
refusal of much needed help and advice. Partial deafness
and incorrect use or rejection of the hearing aid provided or offered
through the National Health Service are very common to find, while
complete deafness which may be of a type which cannot be corrected