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149
only the "homebound" but also the active elderly are. experiencing
difficulty with transport. As fares increase the pensioner has to consider
whether he or she can afford to attend quite so frequently and this is a
problem which is demanding more and more attention.
Holidays
for the
Elderly
This service continues to be held in high regard, as indicated by
the numerous letters of appreciation received. Warner's Holiday Camp
was taken over completely and the excellent co-operation between
helpers and camp staff ensures that the elderly thoroughly enjoy a carefree
holiday. This year a charge of £2.10s.0d. for a single person and
£3.10s.0d. for a married couple was made(against a cost of approximately
£10 per person) but no reduction in demand was observed and many old
people seemed to welcome the opportunity to pay for their holiday. Active
consideration is being given to the provision of holidays for higher
income groups.
"Meals on
Wheels"
The service has again expanded and there are now 270/275 persons
receiving meals up to 5 days per week in the llford part of the Borough.
There are now 5 rounds delivering up to 60 meals and plans are in hand
to cope with the increasing demand and to reduce the existing rounds to
a more manageable size. The price of the meal was increased from l/-d.
to 1/6d.on 1st April. This is one of the most important of the domiciliary
services, where not only is nourishment provided but friendly and safeguarding
contacts are made. In the Wanstead and Woodford part of the
Borough the service is still operated entirely by the W.R.V.S. where
approximately 40/45 meals are delivered 4 days per week using two
Council vehicles.
The "Good Companions" paid a substantial part for the Christmas
meal in the 11 ford part of the Borough. Members of the office staff delivered
meals from one of our Old People's Homes on the three days over
Christmas, when the Town Hall kitchen was closed. The cost of these
meals and use of a Council vehicle was paid for from money bequeathed
to the "Meals-on-Wheels" service.
Temporary
Accommodation
Of all categories covered by the Welfare Services, the problem of
homelessness seems to be the most insoluble. Basically a problem of
general housing shortages, the situation is aggravated by some landlords
and by some families who on low income levels find their economic
ability inadequate and descend, through debt, to final eviction. The