London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Sutton 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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HOME HELP SERVICE
The level of provision of home help for households unable to
meet their own domestic commitments because of frailty, illness or
maternity, was approximately the same as during the previous year.
The demands for this service continue to be heavy and are likely to
increase with increasing emphasis being placed upon home care. It is
difficult to see how in this area the level of service can be improved.
The financial attractions of private domestic work are considerable and
opportunities for other part-time work provide severe competition to
the less well-paid and less attractive home help service.
i
It has not yet been possible to substantially improve
recruitment in this Borough but an answer must be found if increasing
commitments are to be fully met. Much credit is due to those home helps
who have been employed in the service for many years. If it were not for
their loyal service the demands made upon residential accommodation,
heavier then they are. No praise is too high for the way in which they support the sick and the elderly in their own homes over long periods of time, often in the face of great difficulties.
| Aged 65 or over on first visit | Chronic Sick and T.B. | Mentally Disordered | Maternity | Others | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Cases | 843(563) | 48(58) | 3 (2) | 162(125) | 135(130) | 1191(878) |
| 7l/o(64$) | 13*(15*) |
Number of Home Helps
31st December 1966
(a) Whole time
(b) Part-time
(c) Whole-time
equivalent of (b)
(d) Total
9 (1)
82 (92)
45.2(51.3)
54.7(52.3)
The scheme for Neighbourly Helps, whereby neighbours in return for
payment up to £2 per week, carry out simple domestic duties for one or more
persons in need living in the immediate neighbourhood has much promise;
there are some who are reluctant to accept help from their neighbours and
some who would be willing to give help are deterred by the legal necessity
of obtaining an insurance card. I am sure this scheme is capable of
expansion and additional helpers are urgently needed. 13 (9) cases were
being helped in this way in 1966.
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