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Laundry for the Incontinent Aged
The scheme for the provision of laundry facilities for the incontinent aged,
started in the autumn of 1956 was carried on throughout the year Old people
in need of this service were brought to the notice of the Public Health Department
staff from various sources then arrangements were made for the Department's
van to call each week to collect the soiled linen deliver it to the laundry,
and to transport the clean linen back again to the home of the old person. No
charge was made for the service but for each case a certificate was submitted
to the Public Health Committee.
During the year three old persons had been recommended for, and obtained
this service.
Holidays for the Elderly
In May 1962 40 elderly persons were provided (by the Brentford and Chiswick
Welfare Organisation) with a free holiday for one week Holidays for elderly
persons were also provided by other local organisations, viz the two Philanthropic
Societies and Chiswick Mission.
Hone Safety
Following the passing of the Home Safety Act, 1961 (to enable local authorities
to promote safety in the home and to make contributions to voluntary organi
sations whose activities consist of, or include, the promotion of safety in the
home), a Home Safety Sub Committee was set up Its function was "to consider,
make recommendations and submit reports to the Public Health Committee on all
matters relating to Home Safety within the Borough" Co-opted members included
representatives of local medical practitioners, the British Red Cross Society,
Old People- s Organisations and the Chambers of Commerce The first meeting was
held on 25th July, 1962.
Methods of obtaining information from hospitals and general practitioners
were discussed, but at this stage approval for the provision of a notification
fee was not obtained A letter was sent to all local hospitals and general
practitioners requesting information about any home accidents to residents of
the Borough.
Programmes for regular and seasonal propaganda from the Royal Society for
the Prevention of Accidents were planned, and a film show was arranged for the
following meeting to demonstrate the type of material available. A letter was
sent to the local Chambers of Commerce drawing attention to the British Standard
B S 2788 for fireguards and asking for the co operation of local traders to
sell only fireguards which complied.
A member of the Home Safety Sub Committee and the Deputy Medical Officer
of Health were appointed representatives to attend a national Home Safety Con
ference at Central Hall, Westminster, on 4th and 5th October, 1962. This consisted
of a lecture on Home Safety and Health Education' by a Health Education
Officer and "Report on the First Year s Work" of the Yvonne Payne Memorial
Research Fellowship in Birmingham There was also a demonstration of Practical
Training for Home Safety.
The North Thames Gas Board who in 1956 offered a free service of inspection
of the gas appliances and service pipes in houses of old age pensioners living
alone, continued to arrange for inspections during the year The reason for
this was in order to reduce the risk of gas poisoning a frequent cause of home
accidents and fatalities in old people.
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