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9
invariably admitted without delay. In quieter times, Dr. Finn is able
to admit elderly chronic sick patients to hospital for periods of two
or three weeks in order to give exhausted relatives a short rest. At
the same time the patient is carefully assessed and is given any form
of treatment thought to be beneficial.
The Home Helps and District Nurses continue to play an important
part in the case of elderly patients in their homes and the voluntary
services do most valuable work by such services as "Meals on Wheels'",
Old Peoples’ Clubs, etc.
A laundry service for incontinent patients is provided which considerably
reduces the burden on relatives and makes it possible for
them to nurse at home a patient who would otherwise have to be
admitted to hospital. The service is confined exclusively to incontinent
patients and articles laundered are limited to sheets and draw
sheets.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 — SECTION 47.
In many cases old people create their own difficulties by refusing
to leave their homes when they can only be properly cared for in
hospital or other suitable accommodation.
A satisfactory solution is generally arrived at without resort to
compulsion but in one case the Council took action under the above
Act.
This was the case of an elderly woman who had occupied one room
in a house for many years. The tenants were not related to, or
responsible for her in any way, and they complained bitterly of her
state of health.
She was more or less bedridden, incontinent at times, and was
inclined to behave and speak irrationally. She refused to consider
entering a Home and was not prepared to accept the domicilliary
services such as District Nurse, Home Help, or Laundry Service. Her
condition began to deteriorate and, since she was not receiving the
care and attention she required, application was made to the Court
for an Order for her Compulsory removal to a suitable accommodation.
The Order was granted and she was removed to an Old Peoples'
Home where she settled quite well. The Order was later extended
or a further period of three months, and during this time, she finally
ecided to remain permanently.