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26.
dental hospital employing 2 full-time dental surgeons, (3) other
clinics of a social service character, though not specially for
old people, were started by the Borough Council and handed to the
County in 1948, (e.g. marriage guidance clinic, family planning,
special women's, and so forth).
6. Housing.
The Council provided 5 bed-sitting room rents in its first
post-war housing scheme, and allocates ground-floor accommodation
in new flats where priority justifies this. In addition the
Housing Department always endeavours, in case of need, to find
single-room accommodation for old people in requisitioned
properties.
7. Homes for Old People.
(1) The Council runs a home ("Sunrise") for old people in
need of care and attention, near Hornchurch, Essex. It is a large
bungalow home in beautiful and extensive grounds. The accommodation
consists of single bed-sitting rooms with french doors opening on
level paving which, in its turn leads to an outer pathway shaded by
flowering trees and shrubs, and running round the grounds. Inside
the building, each bed-sitting room opens on to an L-shaped corridor
which also contains communal dining, recreation and sitting rooms
for those who wish for company. Each bed-sitting room is fitted
with radio head-phones which can be used either in bed or beside
the fire.
(2) Almshouses in Wood Green - Accommodation for 24 females and
3 couples is in the gift of the trustees of the United Charities of
St.Leonard, Shoreditch, all but one of whom are members of the
Borough Council. This accommodation, presided over by a caretaker
and his wife, is again very conveniently arranged, and consists of
two separate rooms, with their own pantry, coal cellar and entrances
back and front. Here again, the gardens are nicely laid out and
shops are even more readily accessible, the old people being thus
very happy and comfortable.
Members of both these old people's homes are invited to attend
socials and outings organised by the Council's Old People's Clubs,
and thus keep well in the local picture.