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The Kensington Day Centre Limited
Close liaison was maintained with the Centre, which has a membership
of 350 elderly and handicapped persons. It is open each weekday
and provides recreational facilities and occupational therapy, a
chiropody service, hairdressing and bathing facilities, library service
and mid-day meals. Attendances average sixty per day.'
A hydraulic tail-lift coach, with driver, is provided by the
Council to transport the handicapped to and from the Centre.
The work of the Kensington Day Centre makes a valuable contribution
to the services provided by the Council and is greatly appreciated.
OTHER FEATURES OF THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT
Determination of Liability of the Local Authority
Section 32 of the National Assistance Act, 1948 provides that the
local authority in whose area a person is "ordinarily resident" shall
be responsible for the cost of assistance provided by any other local
authority. Cases of disagreement are determined by the Minister of the
Department of Health and Social Security. It has not been necessary to
refer any cases for arbitration to the Minister, and all cases in doubt
have been amicably resolved.
Registration and Inspection of Voluntary and Private Homes for the Aged
and Infirm
The National Assistance Act, 1948, Section 26, enables local
authorities to make use of accommodation for aged and infirm persons in
homes established and maintained by voluntary organisations. Section 37
provides for the inspection and registration of such homes including
those establishments run in a private capacity. The main requirements
are that the homes shall be satisfactory in regard to situation,
construction, repair, cleanliness, equipment and staffing. There should
be adequate rooms, toilets and bathroom facilities for the numbers
accommodated, and the homes should be conducted to provide such services
and facilities as may be considered reasonable for the people using them.
At the 31st December, 1968, there were registered with the Council
sixteen voluntary homes providing 753 beds, and one privately run home
providing 8 beds.
Additionally, however, one home in the Borough is registered as a
nursing home, and by virtue of an agreement between this home and the
former London County Council that a maximum of 8 beds would be available
for Part III cases, this Council is currently using 3 beds.
Care and Protection of Property
Section 48 of the National Assistance Act, 1948 requires the Council
to undertake responsibility for the care and protection of moveable
property of persons admitted to hospital, residential accommodation or
place of safety under an order of the Court where it appears there is
danger of loss or damage, and where no other suitable arrangements are
being or can be made.
As at 1st January, 1968, the property of forty-three people was
being stored, and in fifteen instances houses and flats had been
secured against unauthorised entry. During the year 175 (148) cases
were dealt with. It was possible to trace relatives in thirty-five
cases and arrange for them to accept responsibility. The property of
fifteen people was sent to the hospitals in which they were patients.
Of the remainder, 45 patients' belongings were taken into store,
58 premises were secured (there being no moveable property), and 22 lots