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Old People
The needs of 13 special cases of old people living in difficult circumstances were investigated
during 1959, and what happened to them is recorded in the following list:—
Admitted to hospital 2
Admitted to old people's home 2
Remaining at home 9
(a) Home Help provided 2
(b) Home Help and District Nurse provided 1
(c) Home Help, District Nurse, and Meals provided 1
(id) Social problem eased 1
(e) Awaiting housing for old people 1
(/) Holiday arranged 1
(,g) Rehoused 1
(h) No action 1
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.
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 recognised 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 1959 was 20.
It has been ascertained from the Area Medical Officer that 389 Southall people were
given Home Help during the year and of these 333 consisted of chronic sick or aged persons,
a figure which has risen by 16% over the 1958 figure, and of 734 persons who were assisted
by the Home Nurses, 402 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 house-bound
old people in need of the service. In 1959, 8,860 meals were delivered, an increase of 904
over the 1958 figure. The maximum number of old people receiving the meals on any one
day was 47. The number of people who can be helped in this way is too small for the needs
of the Borough, and negotiations were in progress during 1959 for the provision of another
van, by the use of which the service could be doubled. The cost of the meal was 9d. to the
recipient, and for each meal Southall Borough Council made a grant of 1/6. Meals were
obtained from the School Canteens and conveyed in a van owned by the Southall Old
People's Welfare Association.
Chiropody Service for Old People:
This service was continued throughout 1959. Five local chiropodists gave their services
at cheap rates for Old Age Pensioners.
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