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14
CARE OF OLD PEOPLE
With the increasing percentage of older people in the population the problem of
their care has continued to occupy much time and thought.
The basic aim must always be to keep old persons where they are happiest, in
general, in fact, in their own homes and it is to this end that the majority of the
services are directed. By means of the services outlined below, it is often possible
for the old people's to continue to live with their friends and in the surroundings that
they have known since childhood.
In some cases, however, when the old people have been looked after in their own
homes for some years their disabilities slowly increase so that they slip beyond the
ambit of the services provided. This occurs much less commonly in old people with
their mental faculties unimpaired. At this stage, however, a difficulty not infrequently
arises in that some old people are unable to appreciate the fact that they are no
longer able to manage. No dramatic change may have taken place and no change in the
home environment may have occurred, but the basic requirement is merely an increase in
simple care. Considerable tact and time may be required to persuade the old person
to take advantage of the other types of facilities available to them.
It is unfortunate that some old people have to leave their homes prematurely,
because their physical disabilities are such that with the homes designed as they are,
they are unable to cope with their domestic problems. Where possible the Council try
to help by rehousing in suitable alternative accommodation.
Laundry Service for the Incontinent Aged
This service is provided under Section 84 of the Public Health Act, 1936, and in
1963, 689 collections were made by the Public Health Departmento
Baths
Free baths are available at the Public Baths for old people who know that if they
need help they can call upon the baths attendants.
Library Service
Housebound old people may obtain upon request regular deliveries of library books
from the Public Libraries.
Hospital Services
St. Ann's General Hospital has a unit for the chronic sick which comprises 100
beds (60 females and 40 males)
Problems may arise in the discharge of elderly patients who live alone and have
no close relatives or friends to whom they may look for assistance In an endeavour
to ensure smooth transfer from hospital to domiciliary care, a meeting was arranged
between those concerned on hospital and local authority staffs and agreement reached
on the procedure to be followed before the discharge of this type of patient.
Persons in need of Care and Attention
Reports reach the Public Health department from time to time but more particularly
during this winter months, of old people who are no longer able to care for themselves ,
and who are unwilling or unable to obtain help from relatives or neighbours. All such
cases are sympathetically investigated and it is often possible to arrange domiciliary
services to meet their problems. In some instances adequate provision cannot be made
at home and after consultations with the family doctor,, the hospital consultant
geriatrician may visit and if appropriate arrange early admission to hospital.