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Since 1960, the same Association has acted as agents for the Middlesex County Council under
Section 28 of the National Health Service Act 1946, in administering a chiropody service for the elderly.
The service, which has been complementary to that provided by the health authority at the clinics, was
provided through five chiropodists in private practice. The treatment is free to old people in receipt of supplementary
pensions from the National Assistance Board, and to single persons whose income does not exceed
£5 per week, or married couples not exceeding £8 per week. Otherwise a charge of 2/0d. for treatment of
one foot, or 4/0d. for both, is made. A total of 6,245 treatments were given in 1965 at a cost of £2,718 of
which £2,624 was recovered by the Association by way of grants from the County Council to 31st March, and
from Brent Council over the remainder of the year.
A limited amount of chiropody treatment was also made available for the elderly through the Wembley
and Willesden Divisions of the British Red Cross Society.
The Society also afforded assistance in providing on loan wheelchairs and nursing equipment, and
in placing elderly persons requiring some degree of care and attention in its holiday homes.
The majority of afternoon clubs for the elderly, which organise many social activities for their
members in addition to regular meetings, are run by such voluntary organisations as the League of Jewish
Women (Friendship Clubs for the Jewish elderly), the Women's Voluntary Services (Darby and Joan Clubs),
the British Red Cross Society (Evergreen Clubs), the National Federation of Old Age Pensions Associations,
Community Associations, Churches and private groups.
The luncheon clubs provided by the Council are entirely staffed by voluntary workers and much
voluntary work is also carried out in the five full-tim e centres in the Borough.
Various organisations, including Youth Clubs, as well as private persons, participated in arrangements
for visiting the elderly who live alone, and in offering help with shopping, gardening, decorating and
other chores.
LAUNDRY SERVICE FOR THE INCONTINENT AGED
The laundry service for the incontinent elderly is administered by the Council under Section 31 of
the National Assistance Act. The articles are laundered at Neasden Hospital by arrangement with the
Central Middlesex Management Committee and at Colindale Hospital under a similar arrangement with the
Hendon Group Hospital Management Committee. Transport is provided by the Borough Council.
Patients are referred by hospitals, doctors, council nurses and relatives. The service enables
patients who would be admitted to hospital to be nursed at home and more beds are available for urgent
cases. It was greatly appreciated by the patients and their relatives.