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Old People
The needs of 28 special cases of old people living in difficult circumstances were investigated
during 1957, and what happened to them is recorded in the following list:—
Admitted to hospital 5
Admitted to old people's home 4
Remaining at home 17
(a) Home Help provided 2
(b) District Nurse provided 1
(c) Meals provided 1
(d) Refused all help 1
(e) Short term requirements only, i.e. transport, coal,
etc. 11
(/) Awaiting entry to Home 1
Died at home 2
The difficulties of the old persons recorded on this list were brought to the notice of the
Public Health Department staff either by medical practitioners, interested relations, neighbours
or friends, or following complaint by one or other of the statutory authorities.
One old person who was brought to the notice of the Department in 1956 was admitted
to a County Council home during 1957.
The County Council has the duty, under the National Assistance Act, 1948, of providing
residential accommodation for aged and infirm persons in need of care and attention
which is not otherwise available to them; and it can do this by providing its own Homes or
by arrangements with registered Voluntary Organisations. The County Council's Welfare
Department administers the County Homes, and the number of persons admitted to such
homes from the Borough in 1957 was 35.
These cases are not usually brought to the notice of the Public Health Department
staff undl 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 help was able to be found for each of the cases except for the one who refused all assistance.
This lady, who had been refusing help since 1955, had to be kept under observation
from time to time so that any change in her condition likely to cause a public health nuisance
or to endanger her life 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 Area Welfare Officer and the Home Help Organiser
in helping to deal with these cases and their problems.
It has been ascertained from the Area Medical Officer that 333 Southall people were
given Home Help during the year and of these 258 consisted of chronic sick or aged persons,
and of 743 persons who were assisted by the Home Nurses, 372 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 four days per week were provided for housebound
old people in need of the service. During the year 7,363 meals were delivered, an increase
of 645 over the 1956 figure. The number of old people receiving the meals at any one time
was 37-40. The present service is not large enough to deal with a greater number. The
cost of the meal was 9d. to the recipient, and for each meal Southall Borough Council made
a grant of 1/-. Meals were obtained from the School Canteens and conveyed in a van
owned by the Old People's Welfare Association.
Chiropody Service for Old People:
This service was continued throughout 1957. Five local chiropodists gave their services
at cheap rates for Old Age Pensioners.
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