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- 106 -

Reference to Table A (page 107) emphasises that the residential
service is increasingly concerned with those in the higher age group.
The present average age of residents is 81.7 years whereas last year
it was 81 years. The highest age group is at Dale Mead, being 84.3
years. This fact, and the ninety-one deaths which occurred in the homes
during the year, give an indication of the extent to which residents are
cared for during terminal illness.
These statistics indicate a new approach in the planning of new
homes, e.g., the provision of a room where a relative can stay during
the terminal illness of their elderly parent and the need for a higher
ratio of single to double rooms in order to minimise the disturbances
associated with mental frailty.
A new feature of the work of the department was the provision of
day care at King's Mead for a limited number of elderly people. The
people concerned were considered to be too frail to be left alone for
long periods, particularly if the only other person in the home was a
son or daughter who had to go to work in order to support the home.
The elderly person was required to be taken to the home by the relative
on the way to business and collected on the return journey. Daring
the day, the elderly person enjoyed the amenities of the home.
including meals, for which a weekly charge was made and the relative
was comforted in the knowledge that the elderly person was safe.
Although the requests for this service were few, it fulfilled a need
for which there had been no provision. Expansion to a large extent
rests upon the provision of transport which, in central London, is
becoming an increasing problem. Further studies are being pursued.
An innovation which has attracted the interest of other local
authorities is the special appointment of an officer to develop the
expansion, co-operation and co-ordination of all voluntary
organisations serving the elderly and handicapped in the borough. It
is encouraging to note that this facility is now sought after by
voluntary associations and the help and encouragement offered through
this appointment is readily received to the mutual benefit of the
associations, the department and not least the elderly and handicapped
themselves.

The Council have the responsibility for four residential homes
for aged and infirm persons provided under Section 21(1)(a) of the
National Assistance Act, 1948, as amended. One of the homes is
outside the borough boundary. The total number of beds is allocated
as follows:-