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127
As a method of establishing a fully efficient, preventive health
service and with the aim of reducing demands for places in welfare
homes and even in hospitals, it is proposed that every local health
authority shall provide domestic help sufficient for the needs of its
area and, furthermore, that recipients of such help shall also be
eligible for laundry facilities, charges for which will be according to
means.
Up until the present time most welfare work, other than
voluntary, has been carried out under Section 29 of the 1948 National
Assistance Act which is really geared to the needs of the handicapped.
A radical alteration is suggested, namely, that welfare authorities be
made responsible (subject to Ministry approval) for all arrangements
for promoting the welfare of old people. Moreover, it is
further suggested that power be given to local authorities to make
payment for suitable accommodation in private homes registered in
accordance with Section 37 of the Act of 1948, in addition to that
provided by voluntary organisations for those in need of care and
attention. Perhaps this latter piece of legislation will tend to stimulate
registration under Section 37 and make available to welfare authorities
more accommodation for their elderly and disabled, the lack of
which has been a serious and continuing problem.
Unfortunately, enactment itself will not produce the improvements
sought. Limited resources and shortages of skills will present
the Council with the dilemma of balancing short term 'necessity'
with that of long term planning in an atmosphere of rigid financial
restriction.
General
In accordance with the request from the Ministry of Health, a
ten-year plan in respect of local welfare services was, after special
consideration, prepared and forwarded.
Preparation of the plan paid due regard, inter alia, to the growth
in population arising from the 'Thamesmead' project and the expected
increasing proportion of elderly residents over the next
decade. Emphasis was given to the supportive services to enable more
aged to live their remaining years at home which, incidentally, will
have the added advantage of relieving pressure on the Council's own
homes. It is intended that a further 4 small residential homes, each
of 60 places and including special units, shall be provided and more
sheltered housing for the aged is anticipated. Again for the elderly,
additional Day Centres will be provided and progressive extensions
of Meals-on-Wheels and Luncheon Club facilities are envisaged.
Included in the plan are schemes for further social rehabilitation
centres and sheltered workshops for the blind and other handicapped
persons and an enlargement of the special transport pool.
Under the plan it is the Council's aim that homeless families
shall have early priority and a hostel for unsupported mothers and