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In particular the position is eased by Dr. DeLargy's scheme at
Langthorne Hospital for rehabilitating the aged and relieving their
relatives. Priority of admission is decided by means of domiciliary
visits, and whereas the Family Doctor often thinks in terms of
permanent accommodation in hospital, many relatives have stated
to Dr. DeLargy that they had no wish to shelve their responsibilities,
but only wanted a rest, especially a night's unbroken sleep.
This specialised accommodation at Langthorne Hospital is for
24 women and 10 men, and admissions and discharges alternate
each six weeks.
The scheme is fully described in the issue of "The Lancet"
23rd February, 1957.
Some years ago a directive was issued by the Regional Hospital
Board that all hospitals should reserve 10 per cent. of their accommodation
for the aged and chronic sick, but this does not appear
to have been properly observed, which is quite understandable in
hospitals primarily dealing with the acute sick. The only real
solution is the provision of more and adequate geriatric units.
Aids for the Elderly, Disabled and Handicapped
In October the Central Council for the Care of Cripples
kindly arranged for their travelling exhibition to visit Walthamstow.
The exhibition is housed in a motor van designed for the
purpose and contained a large variety of very simple "gadgets."
Particulars were circularised to all who are concerned with this
group of persons, but attendances were somewhat disappointing.
Emergency Assistance for Tenants living alone
(The following is extracted from the report of the Housing
Manager to the Lettings Sub-Committee of November, 1956):—
During the summer enquiries have been made of the occupiers
of all the one-bedroom flats, bed-sitting room flats and flatlets,
suggesting that the occupiers—who generally are elderly—should
furnish information regarding the name and address of their doctor
and of persons who might be notified in case of need.
So far, a little over 50 per cent. of the tenants have responded
and arrangements are in hand for a further communication to be
sent to each person who has failed to give the necessary information.
Meanwhile, each tenant of these small properties has been
provided with a card bearing the letters "S.O.S." which can be
exhibited in a window of their home whenever help is required.
New Accommodation for the Elderly
Dr. DeLargy met representatives of the Architect's and
Housing Departments to discuss the medical requirements in this
matter. Particular reference was made in regard to the advisability
fpr baths to be as low as possible. The heights of the table,