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60
draining board and gas cooker should always be the same, so that
the old people could slide articles from one to the other as far as
possible. In addition, the top of the sink should also be at the
same level.
DOMICILIARY CHIROPODY
In order to assist those elderly persons unable by reason of
illness or infirmity to attend the County Council's Foot Clinic, even
with the aid of transport, the Walthamstow Old People's Welfare
Committee have agreed to accept financial responsibility for
chiropody treatment to be provided in their own homes.
During 1956 17 patients received domiciliary treatment, and
the total treatments given were 21 at a cost of £11 0s. 6d. The
ages of the persons concerned were:—
Males (2) 80 years.
Females (15) 80 years to 90 years.
The agreement of the family doctor as to the need for treatment
and as to non-ambulancy is sought.
General.
The need appears to be for increased services in the following
directions, especially those which help with domiciliary treatment:—
(1) "Meals on Wheels" daily. (2) Ample home nursing
and domestic help facilities, including week-end help. (3)
Increased chiropody facilities at clinics and in the home. (4) Companionship,
sitters-in and occupational therapy. (5) Increased
Part III accommodation and long and short stay annexes. (6)
More hospital beds for the aged and chronic sick.
The Glasspool Trust has again been ready to help in cases of
hardship, particularly with the supply of bedding.
The Area Officer of the National Assistance Board has again
been most co-operative and has been helpful in making money
grants for bedding, clothing and laundry. This was supplemented
by the Health Department by the retention of mattresses and other
items removed at the request of the owners for destruction after
infectious disease. Where some use remains, the mattresses are
steam-disinfected and given to persons in need. The following
items were supplied: Bedsteads, 4; Mattresses, 8; Blankets, 3;
Pillows, 3; Commodes, 2; Chairs, 2; and Wheel-chair, 1.
Action by Health Visitors. The Health Visitors have been
instructed to acquaint themselves as far as possible with all elderly
people in their districts and bring to notice any who need help in
any way.