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An essential feature of a voluntary visiting service, particularly
where more than one scheme is functioning, is good. co-ordination. This
has been materially assisted by the Council's Liaison Officer for
Voluntary Services whose help and advice have been warmly welcomed by
many voluntary organisations.
It is of interest to note that during the past year some twentyseven
talks have been given to organisations and groups of people
regarding the welfare services available to the handicapped and elderly
of the Borough.
The Voluntary Appeals Committee which was formed as a sub-committee
of the Old People's Welfare Committee continued their money raising
projects. No special appeal was promoted during the year, but from
several small functions, such as coffee mornings, raffles and a Christmas
draw an amount of £303. 10s. 10d., was collected. The proceeds are
being used to meet urgent needs of the elderly which cannot be met
from statutory or other sources. To help meet the cost of the
Christmas activities for the elderly, the Committee arranged for
collection boxes to be placed in public houses etc., and the sale of
suitably inscribed book matches. Together these efforts raised a
sum of £196.
Kensington Day Centre Limited
Close liaison was maintained with the Centre which has a
membership of 300 elderly and handicapped persons. The Centre is open
each weekday and provision is made for recreation and occupational
therapy, a chiropody service, hairdressing and bathing facilities,
library services and mid-day meals.
The Council provides two hydraulic tail-lift coaches with drivers
to transport the handicapped members 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 DUTIES UNDER THE NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948
Determination of Liability of the Local Authority
The local authority in whose area a person is "ordinarily resident"
is responsible for the cost of assistance provided by any other local
authority (Section 32) subject to decision in cases of disagreement 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
as all cases in doubt have been amicably resolved.
Registration and Inspection of Voluntary and Private Homes for the Aged
and Infirm
Local authorities are empowered (Section 26) to make use of
accommodation for aged and infirm persons in homes established and
maintained by voluntary organisations. The inspection and registration
of such homes including establishments run privately is carried out
under Section 37. 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 number accommodated, and the homes should be conducted to provide
such services and facilities as may be considered reasonable for the
people using them.