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After some initial suspicion in a few cases the Health Visitors'
enquiries were well received by the old people, many of whom were
obviously very pleased indeed to find some one really concerned about
their welfare even when, as often happened, they refused help. An
example of this was an old couple living with their bachelor son.
Both were over 80 and crippled (wearing calipers) as the result of a
street accident. Domestic Help was clearly needed here but so far hast
been refused.
Some cases are managing only precariously like a lady of 64 whose
husband, prematurely retired because of ill health, is often confined
to his bed. She then has to nurse him as well as look after her aged
mother (96) who lives alone next door. If she herself is taken ill we
shall be faced with a triple problem.
The majority of the old people, however, are hale and hearty and
managing their affairs without assistance. An example of sturdy
independence and self help is the old lady of 86 who has purchased a
typewriter in order to correspond with her married children because
she can no longer hold a pen.
In our opinion this kind of survey and the resulting follow up
of cases like those quoted above can make a substantial contribution
to the health and welfare of the elderly.