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GENERAL HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES,
National Assistance Act, 1948
National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951
Removal to suitable Premises of Persons in need of Care & Attention
A number of cases, mainly aged, were brought to the notice of the department by
general practitioners, welfare officers, and voluntary organisations with a view to possible
action under these Acts. Special visits were made and in most cases it was possible to either
persuade the person to enter am institution voluntarily Or to provide services such as domestic
help, home nursing, etc. In three cases, however, it was necessary to take action under the Act,
Details of these cases are as follows:-
Case 1,
Female Aged 80 years- This case living alone, was brought to the notice of the department by
her doctor. When visited she was found to be inadequately clothed, her person and home were
in an extreme state of filth, she was aged and Infirm and was unable to look after herself,
and was not receiving proper care and attention. All efforts to help her were unavailing and
an order was obtained under the National Assistance (Amendment) Act and she was removed to
Part III accommodation at Langthorne Hospital. After admission she settled down well and was
quite content to remain in the hospital. No extension of the order was necessary.
Case 2,
Female aged 79 years. This case was reported to the department by her doctor. When visited
she was found to be living with her daughter who was very eccentric and incapable of looking
after her mother. The patient was ill, emaciated and very weak, she was lying on a filthy
old bed without any proper coverings apart from some dirty blankets. The room was indescribably
filthy. She refused to go to hospital. Action was taken under the National Assistance
(Amendment) Act in co-operation with her private doctor and admission to hospital was arranged.
She settled down in hospital but in view of the circumstances of the case an extension of the
order was obtained. Unfortunately her condition deteriorated and she died. Assistance and
guidance was given to the daughter by officers of the department and after a time she began
to take an Interest in her home and person and obtained employment.
Case No.3.
Female aged 80 years. This case living alone, had been under surveillance by the department
for some time. Daily visits were made by a home help, she was supervised periodically by
health visitors; new bedding etc., was provided through the National Assistance Board in
an effort to maintain her and her home in a satisfactory condition. The patient, however,
would not co-operate and she refused to be washed or have her clothing changed. Despite the
efforts of all concerned her condition deteriorated. She refused to go to hospital and it
became necessary to take action under the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, She was
admitted to Langthorne Hospital where she settled down quite happily, and at the end of the
year was still there. No extension of the Order was necessary.
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