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194
Observers
Services provided in this Borough for the elderly are attracting
observers from many sources and representatives of interested
organisations have been welcomed and given every opportunity
to study our services.
Advantage is also taken of our services by Health Visitors and
Hospital Students in accordance with their various curricula.
Voluntary Help & Friendly Visiting, etc.
The Department maintains contact with a number of voluntary
organisations and individual volunteers who are prepared to carry
out services for elderly and handicapped people. These services
include visiting, grass cutting, gardening, decorating, driving,
escorting, mending, shopping, hairdressing, changing library books,
etc. Friendly visits are made by approximately 250 voluntary
visitors who report directly to the Department. In addition, church,
school and other voluntary groups participate in the visiting scheme.
The Department receives much useful information from the
visitors, who are able to report should anything be amiss.
By the end of the year, many of these services were being undertaken
by "Task Force" which has been given a grant by the Council
to establish itself in the area.
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
Receivership
The Borough Welfare Officer has continued to act as Receiver,
administering the estates of five patients, previously resident in the
Borough, who, by reason of mental disorder, are incapable of
managing their own affairs. Respective hospital authorities continue
to be consulted concerning the patients' well-being and. in
accordance with the duties of this office, all proposals within the
patients' means which were likely to ameliorate his condition or
add to his comfort have been submitted to the Court of Protection.
Protection of Property
Where it appears that there is danger of loss or damage and
where no other suitable arrangements can be made, it is the duty of
the Council to arrange for the temporary protection of property of
persons who are admitted to hospital or welfare home.
Action was taken to mitigate loss or damage in thirty-one
instances. In nineteen cases the property was only temporarily safeguarded,
in nine other cases it was sold or otherwise disposed of
and in the remaining three cases the property was transferred to the
Council's store.