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The Hard of Hearing Club. A club for the deaf and partially deaf was started during
the year. There was an inaugural meeting, at which the Mayor was in the Chair, and
representatives from the Middlesex and Surrey League for the Hard of Hearing described
the advantages likely to accrue from the formation of a local branch. There was a very
good response to this, and a club was formed which has been meeting regularly since, the
number of members now being 30, and the average attendance at each meeting between
20 and 25. In addition to the social activities of this Club, practical advice is given with
regard to the obtaining and the management of hearing aids.
Old People
The needs of 17 cases of old people living in difficult circumstances were investigated
during 1955, and the action taken is recorded in the following list:—
Admitted to hospital 3
Removed to hospital (under National Assistance Act powers)
Removed to mental institution
Admitted to old people's home 3
Died at home
Remaining at home 11
(a) Home Help provided 1
(b) Home Help and District Nurse provided 1
(c) Home Help and meals provided 2
(d) Meals only provided 2
(e) District Nurse provided 1
(f) Refused all help 2
(g) Recovered and returned to work 1
(h) Awaiting admission to Home 1
The difficulties of the old persons recorded on this list were brought to the notice
of the Public Health Department staff either by interested relations, neighbours or friends,
or following complaint by one or other of the statutory authorities.
These cases are not usually brought to the notice of the Public Health Department
staff until someone feels they should be removed compulsorily from the circumstances in
which they are living, and it is very satisfactory to be able to report that in spite of this
some other solution was able to be found in each one of the cases except for the two who
refused all help. These had to be kept under observation from time to time so that any
change in their condition likely to cause a public health nuisance or to endanger their lives
could be discovered quickly and compulsory powers used if all else failed. These cases
always present great difficulty as it is important to ensure that while individuals are aware
of all the facilities which are available for them there should be no interference with their
liberty of action so long as they are of reasonably sound mind. Tribute must be paid to
the excellent work of the Home Help Organiser and the Area Welfare Officer in helping to
deal with these cases and their problems.
It has been ascertained from the Area Medical Officer that 290 Southall people were
given Home Help during the year and of these 215 consisted of chronic sick or aged persons,
and of 852 persons who were assisted by the Home Nurses, 431 were of age 65 or over.
Many voluntary associations contributed to provide Christmas parcels or special
comforts for old people.
Meals on Wheels Service
During the year mid-day meals on three days per week were provided for all known
housebound old people who wished to take advantage of the service. During the year
approximately 4,900 meals were delivered. The cost of the meal is 9d. to the recipient,
and for each meal Southall Borough Council makes a grant of 1/-. Arrangements were
made during the year for the cooking and issuing of meals to be carried out at Beaconsfield
Road School Canteen.
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