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distributed by voluntary workers in cars hired by the Association.
The scheme has been in operation in this form since March, 1958,
and is an essential one for people who would not otherwise be able
to get a cooked meal.
The Association also provided seven old People's clubs in
different parts of the Borough and shared the expense of a club at
Woodford Green with the Wanstead and Woodford Old People's
Welfare Association.
The Association continued to act as the co-ordinating body
for old people's welfare and maintained close liaison with other
statutory authorities engaged in this work.
Accommodation for the Aged and Chronic Sick
The co-operation of the hospital and welfare services was
always admirable, but the difficulty appears to be wholly one of
insufficient accommodation. Even so, Walthamstow is fortunate in
participating in the geriatric service and accommodation available
at Langthorne Hospital which, however, appears to have far too
large a "catchment" area.
In particular the position is eased by Dr. DeLargy's scheme at
Langthorne Hospital for rehabilitating the aged and relieving their
relatives by the "Six Weeks In—Six Weeks Out" Scheme. 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.
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
Association has agreed to accept financial responsibility for
chiropody treatment to be provided in their own homes.
During 1958. 35 patients received domiciliary treatment, and
the total treatments given were 45 at a cost of £23 12s. 6d. Only 4 of
the patients were Male. All the patients were over sixty years of
age and 2 were over ninety 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