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Care of the Aged and the Chronic Sick.
The local scheme for the care of the aged and the chronic sick is
largely unchanged. The general Health Visitors continue to supervise
those who are frail or in need of assistance while the geriatric
Health Visitor supervises those who are on the Waiting List for
admission to hospital.
Other than in times of epidemic the waiting period for admission
to a hospital is not unduly long, and a desparate case is invariably
admitted without delay.
The Home Helps and District Nurses continue to play an important
part in the care 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.
Chiropody.
The Surrey County Council has established a most effective
chiropody service throughout the Boroughs of Richmond and Barnes.
Under this Scheme any person who is of pensionable age or substantially
and permanently physically handicapped can obtain treatment
at a Chiropodist's Surgery for a payment of three shillings or free in
case of need.
Surgeries are fairly conveniently situated and there are facilities for
domicilliary visits. At the present time over 800 elderly persons are
obtaining treatment under this scheme, in addition to those who are
attending special sessions provided by voluntary bodies.
The Scheme is quite costly, but by helping to keep elderly people
mobile and in good health, it will undoubtedly tend to reduce the need
for institutional accommodation.
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 properly be cared for in hospital
or other suitable accommodation.
A satisfactory solution is generally arrived at without resort to
compulsion.
Under the National Assistance Act, 1948 and the Amendment Act,
1951 the Medical Officer of Health can apply to the Court or to a
Magistrate for a compulsory Removal Order which has the effect of
placing and detaining the patient in hospital or home.
Laundry Service.
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.
This Service is provided twice weekly throughout the year. Soiled
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