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at all by a hearing aid is not uncommon. I saw about 20 "stone deaf
persons during the year. For these every question and comment had
to be written down. Some had, in addition, very poor vision, consequently
bold clear writing was required. The majority shouted their
replies, and two for some inexplicable reasons insisted upon writing
them, which was a laborious process. In such cases it is difficult
to remain patient and almost impossible to convey the sympathy felt
for them in a constructive way. Uninitiated critics who query why
social workers cannot hurry, or pay a standard number of calls in a
given time, could learn much from spending a month with a worker
making initial visits to old persons.
Problems concerning housing accommodation numbered 107.
About one third of these were a continuation of the 109 referred in
1963. The remainder were newly referred. Some of these were assisted
in finding alternative rooms in private houses or with the Ilford
Housing Trust. Some few were rehoused by Ilford 3orough Council in
old persons flats with which they were delighted. Part 3 accommodation
was required by 49 and these were referred by letter to the
Essex County Council Area Welfare Officer. With the letters went
reports of my visits. Advice and help while awaiting admission to
Hospital was requested upon behalf of 115 persons who were subsequently
admitted. Loan of sick room equipment, laundry service,
domestic help service, meals on wheels etc., were arranged in the
meantime as appropriate. Some of these people needed a great deal
of moral support.
Of the persons visited 106 died in Hospital during the year,
and 50 others died at home. Of those who died at home there were a
few who refused to accept Hospital beds. Some of these were a
great problem to their aged spouses or to daughters who for economic
reasons were bound to continue to follow employment outside their
homes. Everything possible was done to ease their difficulties with
domiciliary services, the demand for, and genuine need of which,
were again far in excess of what could be supplied. The quality of
the services is good but the quantity remains insufficient. Daily
meals on wheels would be a boon to many and some, receiving
domestic help service once or twice weekly, urgently need it daily.
There were 41 requests for holidays for old persons, about
half being from the old person direct. These wanted either financial
help or help in making a suitable booking at a low cost. The other
half were referred by relatives who wanted to arrange for the care
of, plus if possible, a pleasant change for the old person, while
they took their own annual holiday. As usual there were a few rela-.