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the activities of the voluntary and statutory bodies many aged persons are
enabled to spend the eventide of their lives in their own homes, where the vast
majority do wish to end their days.
The power provided in the National Assistance Acts for compulsory removal
of aged persons from their own homes is used in only the gravest cases and then
after all other efforts to arrive at a satisfactory solution have failed.
There are a number of cases in which, unfortunately, aged persons have for one
reason or another to be removed from their surroundings but I am happy to
report that the vast majority of such persons agree to accept accommodation in
hospital, or in suitable homes which, in the main, are provided by the London
County Council Welfare Department.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948
SECTION 31 (Contributions to old people's organisations). This section empowers
a local authority to make contributions to the funds of any voluntary
organisation whose activities consist in or include the provision of recreation
or meals for old people.
HACKNEY ASSOCIATION FOR THE WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE. In the year ending
31st March, 1955, the Council made a contribution of £850 to this voluntary
organisation, which now has its headquarters at the Central Hall, Mare Street.
The Association is represented on the Central Consultative Committee for the
Welfare of the Aged, and provides inter alia the following facilities for old
people:-
Case Work. In addition to establishing an advice bureau for dealing with
problems peculiar to aged persons, the Association has organised an emergency
night visiting rota at present comprising some 12 persons. The purpose of
this service is to have available at short notice a team of helpers ready to
visit cases of serious illness to render help pending the arrival of the
doctor, or in other urgent circumstances.
Old People's Clubs. Some 25 old people's clubs, the majority of which are
affiliated to the local Association, are active in the Borough. Among the
amenities provided by these clubs are cards, dominoes, draughts, etc. and in
the case of those having the necessary space, films are also available.
Periodicals are provided for club-room reading and are also available for use
by housebound members,
Christmas Grants. The Association made a grant of £5 to each affiliated club.
"Meals On Wheels". This service continued to function throughout the year,
and the average number of meals delivered to housebound persons and to luncheon
clubs was over 100 per week. Meals are delivered throughout the whole borough
on three days a week, and since the closing of the London County Council
Kitchen at Poplar have been obtained from the staff canteen at Stoke Newington
Town Hall. The cost of a meal is Is. 9d., towards which sum the recipient
pays tenpence, threepence is paid by the Association, and the balance by the
London County Council. A free Christmas dinner was delivered to housebound
members by the "meals on wheels" service as well as to members of luncheon
clubs.
Holidays. Some 200 persons were able to take advantage of the arrangements
made whereby old persons are given one week's holiday at Herne Bay or Westcliff.
Each person contributed according to his means and in suitable cases the
Association granted assistance up to a maximum contribution of 25s. a case.
Home Chiropody. The home chiropody service was again available to housebound
members; a local chiropodist calls by appointment. The Association helps in
cases where persons are unable to meet the cost.