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Difficulty in securing hospital accommodation for the chronic sick
continues, but the happy relationship between the Council's officers and
hospital authorities brought about the admission of fifty-six men and women
during the year. It is pleasing to record that the patient efforts of
hospital rehabilitation departments have resulted in people returning to
their homes ready to live normal lives again.
Institutional care became necessary for eighteen persons, most of
whom settled down quite readily to a communal life. However, it must be
stressed that a change of environment frequently entails considerable effort
and tact.
The Women's Voluntary Services and other kind donors have continued to
dispense much needed clothing to recommended cases, and 229 persons were
helped in this manner during the year, as compared with 177 in 1953. The
National Assistance Board also gives every sympathy to parsons in distress,
and makes grants which ensure the securing of essential items.
Many people are found to be in enfeebled conditions, and therefore
unable to properly look after themselves. In such cases, personal cleansing
is arranged. At the same time rooms are cleansed and superfluous items
disposed of.
The Council's Social Worker made 2,491 visits to cases an the Council's
registers. In a considerable number of cases visits were made to people
whilst they were in hospital,. It must be pointed out that very many visits
are of a protracted nature, and lead to the making of a variety of enquiries,
the completing of which cannot be duly recognised in this report.
Christmas Dinners. Through the kindness of voluntary subscribers and
a working committee, sufficient funds were secured to provide 320 housebound
and lonely old people with a three-course Xmas dinner, a miniature
bottle of brandy, sweets, biscuits, and "a shilling for the gas" The entire
distribution was carried out on Christmas Eve. In addition, four hundred and
fifty food parcels were received from America, and collected from the Town
Hall.
A local boot-repairer is now carrying out boot asd shoe repairs to the
extent of twenty-five pairs monthly. The charge for this work is subject to
a reduction of twopence in the shilling from normal costs, and this publicspirited
action is taken full advantage of.
In conclusion, I would express my sincere thanks to the British Red
Cross Society, the Women's Voluntary Services, local voluntary organisations,
and the many private residents who have contributed in no small measure to
the successful pursuit of the maximum of happiness and freedom from care.