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61
the total treatments given were 28 at a cost of £14 14s. 0d. The
ages of the persons concerned were:—
Males (1) 70 years
Females (22) 62 years to 90 years.
The agreement of the family doctor as to the need for treatment
and as to non-ambulancy is sought in each case before arranging
treatment.
General.
Regular visits are paid to old people in Council Hostels and
flats and also both before and after discharge from the Geriatric
Wards at Langthorne Hospital, particularly with a view to arranging
home nursing, domestic help and/or "Meals on Wheels."
The number of visits to the aged has increased and the
domiciliary services, including the Laundry Service for the Incontinent,
have helped to keep old people in their own homes or eased
the burden of the family caring for their parents thereby preventing
possible institutional care being sought.
The Glasspool Trust has again been ready to help in cases of
hardship, particularly with the supply of bedding.
Once again there is need for increased services in the following
directions:—
(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 welfare accommodation
and long and short stay annexes. (6) More hospital beds
for the aged and chronic sick and geriatric units.
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, 5; Mattresses, 8; Blankets, 3;
Pillows, 4; Commodes, 3; Chairs, 4; Waterproof Sheets 2.
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.