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WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE
During 1950 eleven cases of elderly people living in neglected
conditions and likely to be in need of removal under Section 47 of
the National Assistance Act were investigated.
In no case was it found that there was unwillingness on the
part of the patient to accept hospital or hostel accommodation
although one patient having been admitted to hospital had previously
discharged himself against advice.
All cases were cleared by the end of the year, four having been
admitted to hospital, two to a nursing home, one to the care of
relatives, one was found dead in bed before removal could be
effected, three were found capable of remaining in their homes
provided adequate assistance of the nature of Home Help, District
Nursing and Meals from the Meals Service was forthcoming. Excellent
co-operation was obtained from the County Council Welfare Officer,
hospital Almoners, and the County Council District Nursing and Home
Help Staffs.
There is an active Old People's Welfare Committee in the
Borough and when special requirements in the way of bedding etc.
have been required for cases, it has been possible to obtain them
through this Committee or through the Brentford Philanthropic or the
Chiswick Philanthropic Societies.
The ready acquisition of these articles has in one or two cases
meant that Home Help could succeed in carrying out immediate
cleansing of the very dirty and/or verminous persons who might
otherwise have required to be removed under the provisions of the
National Assistance Act, Section 47, thus preventing the hold up of
a hospital or hostel bed more appropriately of use for an infirm
case0
In April, 1950, a scheme was started whereby Old Age Pensioners
could obtain slipper baths at the Public Baths establishments at
reduced charges, i.e. 2d per bathe 852 baths were taken under this
scheme in Chiswick and 34 in Brentford.
Meals on Wheels:
In December, 1950, Old People's Welfare Committee commenced
a service of Meals on Wheels. The meals are prepared at the
Corporation Staff Canteen and carried in containers to the homes of
the aged or elderly chronic sick. Before the scheme came into
operation the local medical practitioners, local hospitals, Area
Medical Officer and those Voluntary Associations dealing specifically
with the Care of the Aged lere informed and asked to submit the
names of suitable persons who would obtain benefit from the service.
A charge of 1/- per meal was to be made but in necessitous cases the
meal could be provided free. It is hoped that this service will be
°f great benefit to the home-bound aged.
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