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The Medical Officer of Health continued to act as local representative for such charitable organisations
as Wireless for the Bedridden Society, the Steiner Charity, which makes free radio and television sets
available to the bedridden and housebound, and for the National Society for Cancer Relief in payment of
weekly allowance to elderly patients.
The Department's Social Workers concerned with old people's welfare continued their numerous
visits to help and advise, and to assess the need for the various services. They were also available at various
centres for interviewing elderly people.
OLD PEOPLE'S CLINICS
Thirty-five clinic sessions for elderly citizens resident in the Borough were held at the Neasden
Clinic, Balnacraig Avenue, N.W.10, during the year. Seventy-five cases were seen, 18 of whom were new
cases, and they made 204 attendances (48 men and 156 women). The majority travelled unaccompanied to
the Clinic by public transport. Even the cold, wet weather during the winter months did not deter many
from attending the sessions. This is even more note-worthy when it is realised that 15 men and 25 women
were in the age group 80—90. One spritely man in his early nineties attended regularly.
Rheumatism, in its many manifestations, was most prevalent during the year especially in the late
autumn and early winter months as indeed were colds with irritating coughs. Influenza attacks were troublesome
at the beginning and end of the year. However, thanks to prudence at the onset of symptoms in the
form of early retirement to bed, warmth and sweet beverages coupled with skilled attention as necessary from
their medical practitioners, they overcame the infection and were soon up and about again even though their
convalescence was protracted. A few developed severe bronchitis and pneumonia and required urgent
admission to hospital.
The doctor and nurse in attendance at the sessions were consulted about various social and health
problems. The vast majority of those attending bought food and vitamin supplements at the Clinic.
The following referrals were made during the year: —
No. of Patients
To Social Worker for visits 24
To Council Chiropodist 10
For Council aided holiday 7
To Council Physiotherapist 5
To Housing Manager 3
For admission to Residential Home 3
For admission to Luncheon Club 1
For admission to Senior Club 3
To Home Help Organiser 5
To Department of Health & Social Security 2
VOLUNTARY SERVICES FOR THE AGED
The Women's Royal Voluntary Services continued to give invaluable help in the day-to-day operation
of the meals-on-wheels service and at six of the luncheon clubs. At the other luncheon clubs, voluntary
and essential help was given by members of the League of Jewish Women and private individuals, many of
whom have continued to do this work for many years since the inception of the various clubs. There is a
shortage of voluntary helpers in the luncheon clubs, and it is hoped that it may be possible to recruit
additional helpers in 1970.
The Wembley and Willesden Divisions of the British Red Cross Society continued their many and
varied services during 1969 including visiting, chiropody, escorting on holidays and outings, and the loan of
wheel-chairs and nursing equipment.
There are many afternoon clubs for the elderly run by voluntary organisations such as the League
of Jewish Women (Friendship Clubs for the Jewish Elderly), the British Red Cross Society (Evergreen Clubs),
the W.R.V.S. (Darby and Joan Clubs), the National Federation of Old Age Pensions Associations, Community
Associations, Churches and private groups. Much voluntary work is done at these clubs and many
additional activities, apart from regular weekly meetings, are arranged.
LAUNDRY SERVICE FOR THE INCONTINENT AGED
A laundry service for the incontinent elderly continues to be administered by the Council. The articles
are laundered at Neasden Hospital by arrangement with the Central Middlesex Group Hospital 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 hospital, doctors, home nurses and relatives. The service enables patients,
who might otherwise have to be admitted to hospital, to be nursed at home and more beds are thus available
for urgent cases. It was greatly appreciated by the patients and their relatives. The service frequently operates
in conjunction with the issue of free incontinence pads.
No. of Old People Using Laundry Service
On register Admitted to On register
1.1.69 New Cases Died Hospital Discontinued 31.12.69
65 43 17 6 23 62