View report page

62
(f) Holidays
A number of holidays at reduced rates were arranged through
the medium of the Committee.
(g) Handicrafts
Old people are encouraged to continue their handicrafts which
are a great factor in helping them to lead an active and interested
life. Exhibitions of the work produced is evidence of the
skill and craftmanship of many of the aged. Although they may not
be as quick as younger persons, there is little doubt that this is
largely offset by the pride they take in their work.
(h) General Welfare
The problems of the aged are varied and during the year
1,557 interviews took place at the office of the Old People's
Welfare Officer and 522 domiciliary visits were made by this
Officer. In addition to this figure many visits were made by
voluntary effort. A very large number of problems by letter and
telephone are not included in these figures. Three local hospitals
have co-operated by giving notification of any aged person
likely to need help after being discharged. Many visits are paid
to hospital to discuss these problems with the Almoners and the
patients.
The individual help given to the old people by voluntary
effort should not be forgotten. the helpers on the "Meals on
Wheels" Service and Club meals, "Knights of St. George" and local
-Scouts in digging up gardens and carrying coal, also the tradesmen
of the Borough for their various gifts.
Persons in need of Care and Attention
The number of cases investigated as persons likely to be in
need of care and attention was 190. The actual visits made were
much in excess of this number.
As in the past, these cases are notified to the department
from various sources but the majority have been visited at the
request of or in conjunction with St. Ann's Hospital.
In work of this kind a very close liaison is observed between
the department and the Old People's Welfare Organiser also with
the Home Help Service and the Area Welfare Officer of the Middlesex
County Council.