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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.
There is need for increased services in the following directions:—
(1) "Meals on Wheels" daily (This matter is under consideration
in 1959). (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, 3 ; Mattresses, 14 ; Blankets, 2 ;
Bolsters, 2 ; Pillows, 5 ; Commodes, 2 ; Wheelchairs, 3 ; Sheets,
5.
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.
2. Laundry Service for the Incontinent.
Experience in 1957 has conclusively shown the increasing need
for this service. A part-time laundress was appointed to deal with
this work.

During the latter part of the year a twice weekly service was
given to cases with severe faecal incontinence.