[Report 1955] / Medical Officer of Health, Liskeard Borough.

  • Liskeard (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1955
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1955] / Medical Officer of Health, Liskeard Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    6/18 (page 4)
    Some four weeks after her removal to hospital the old person died. Pressure on accommodation in hospitals for chronic sick continues at a high level, and it is generally not at all easy to find a bed for old persons. In previous years I have observed on the reluctance of close relatives to assume any responsibility for the care of elderly people. Whilst much of this reluctance springs from a general loosening of family ties which accompanies modern civilisation, together with a lessening of responsibility which our 'Welfare State seems to engender, the older generation must accept some of the blame for ihe deplorable position in which they find themselves. For many of them old age unfortunately does not bring a serene and balanced attitude to life. They are unable or unwilling to adjust themselves to the changing circumstances and pattern of life about them, and they continue to regard their their grown-up sons and daughters as irresponsible children. Little wonder then that many otherwise decent and responsible younger members of our society find it difficult or impossible to have old relatives living with them. Whilst I deplore the modern tendeney to relegate ones old folk to the state owned or aided home or institution, it is well to recognise that in some cases that it is for all parties concerned the best and happiest solution. In concluding this general preface to my reports I should once again like to express to the Members and Officers of the six District Councils I serve my sincere gratitude for the help and co-operation they have given me during the year. I have the honour to be, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Obedient Servant P.J. FCE, Medical Officer of Health. 56l 1 8