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General Health and Welfare Services.
National Assistance Act, 1948.
National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951.
Removal to Suitable Promises of Persons in Need of Care.
A number of cases were reported to the Department with a view to possible action
under these Acts during the year. Special visits were made and in four cases it was
necessary to take urgent action. In the remaining cases the Department was successful in
either persuading the patient to enter an institution voluntarily or in providing services
such a Home Nursing, Domestic Help, etc. Details of the four .cases dealt with are as
followss:Case
1 and 2.
Two elderly sisters aged 80 and 78 years were reported by an officer of the National
Assistance Board. When visited, they were found to be occupying a small upper back room.
The other occupants of the house had helped them until it became impossible for them to do
so in view of the younger sister's attitude towards them. They were found to be in filthy
condition as regards their person. The room was bug-infested, extremely filthy, and the
floor was covered with excreta and debris; the bed and bedding were badly soiled. The
elder sister was crippled and had apparently not been out of the room for about 10 years.
The younger sister was ill in bed. Neither 3ister was on a doctor1s list and when
hospital treatment was suggested this was vigorously refused by the younger woman who
appeared to dominate her sister. An Order was obtained under the National Assistance
(Amendment) Act and the patients were removed to Langthorne Hospital.
The younger woman unfortunately died about three weeks after admission but her
sister settled down quite well in the hospital.
Case No. 3.
Male, aged 83 years. This case had been under the surveillance of the Department
for some time. With the aid of domestic help, Meals on Wheels, he was able to manage
fairly well. He became ill and was persuaded to enter hospital voluntarily but soon
afterwards he took his discharge. After a time his condition again deteriorated and he
was re-admitted to hospital following intensive persuasion by his doctor. Again he was
unwilling to stay and he took his own discharge. After this his condition deteriorated
rapidly. He became dirty, refused to have any help and it beoame neoessary to obtain an
Order for his removal to Part III accommodation under the National Assistance (Amendment)
Act, 1951.
Although thifc man settled down fairly well it was necessary to obtain an extension
of the Order from time to time0 He unfortunately died about six months after admission.
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