View report page

7
Yet the Annual Report of the Department of Industrial and
Scientific Research gives us much encouragement in our efforts. It
shows that smoke-free areas can and do exist near areas of high
pollution, so that benefits, however small, are obtained with the
coining into existence of each succeeding area.
This may be an appropriate time to include in the Report a
coloured map of the phased programme of smoke control areas for the
whole town. It should prove useful for reference purposes, but it
is hoped that it may prove possible during the next few years to
accelerate the programme.
CARE OF THE ELDERLY
Most of the narrative in this year's Report is devoted to the
responsibilities of both the Public Health and the Area Health
departments towards the aged. The topic suggested itself,following
a small sample survey carried out by health visitors on the social
and medical needs of old people,the results of which are reproduced
in later pages. It is often of value to concentrate on some
specific function of the Department from time to time. It enables
one to give a critical appraisal of work done, and to assess how
far it meets the changing demands for the particular service.
Our investigations so far as they have gone suggest that in
Walthamstow the general standard of care of the elderly is good,
but there are still too many without a normal home background who
have been consigned to a life of wasteful living in virtual
isolation, which can lead to inertia, frailty,squalor and complete
resignation. The causes are multiple but whatever they are the
result is almost the same. They have no sense of belonging to the
community, become extremely suspicious and resistant to any help
offered. The problem is to find the cases and having found them,
to induce them to accept assistance. The worst cases are usually
reported as needing care and attention and subject to compulsory
removal under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act,but thanks
to the supporting services of health visitors, domestic helps,home
nurses, chiropodists, and such dedicated voluntary assistances
given as Meals on Wheels, not one case was dealt with by removal
during the year.
Effective preventive action can only be taken following early
information regarding such cases, but unfortunately there are
limiting factors such as shortage of staff.
Just as with so many other conditions, prevention is better
than cure, so our aim with the elderly should be to maintain them
active, interested, and useful members of the community.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government issued an
excellent circular during the year on the services for old people.