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45
Community Care
Welfare Services
The Chief Welfare Officer, Mr. J. L. Stoker, reports:—
WELFARE OF THE AGED
The care of the aged in the Borough continues to be carried out by a combination of Statutory
and Voluntary effort.
A number of voluntary organisations which are supported financially by the Council provide
services on behalf of the Department.
The four Old Peoples' Welfare Associations received grants of £11,115 during the financial year
1969/70. These Associations provided such services as social and dining centres, holidays, outings, a
visiting service, chiropody, and in some parts of the Borough, Meals on Wheels.
In other areas of the Borough the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and the British Red Cross
Society provide meals.
Old People's Welfare Co-ordinating Committee
During 1969 there was a much closer liaison between the four Voluntary Associations, and
regular meetings of the Co-ordinating Committee were held.
The gift of two mini-buses to the Co-ordinating Committee by the Mayor, from the proceeds of
her charity, has helped to bring about this closer liaison.
The mini-buses were given to provide transport for aged persons who would otherwise be housebound,
and each vehicle is shared between two committees. Many people have benefited from this
gift.
Residential Homes for the Aged
In spite of all the domiciliary services provided, it often becomes necessary for aged persons to
be admitted to residential homes. Social Welfare Officers made 1,401 visits to aged persons during
the year, largely in connection with applications for admission to homes, but in some cases they were
able to suggest alternative solutions.

All Homes are for men and women, except Coaxden which is for men only.
There has been no addition to the number of Homes during the year, but there has been a number
of improvements.