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accommodation, go to the Greenwich Hotel. Each case, which
is submitted to very careful consideration, is visited to ensure that
the term "holiday hotel" (not convalescent home) is preserved.
The new combined hotel remains open to enable "out of season"
holidays to be taken. Charges are very reasonable and, when
possible, applicants who accept an "off-season" for their initial
holiday are offered a summer booking when the opportunity for a
second holiday arises. Accommodation for the Christmas period is
reserved for persons living alone.
Holidays began on 14th March and continued until 2nd January,
1970, and during this period, 1,470 guests were accommodated in
parties averaging about 80.
Concerts and Outings, etc.
Restricted mobility renders elderly people unsuitable for whole
day outings. Selection for half day breaks is therefore based upon
up-to-date visiting data.
During the months May to September some 24 afternoon trips
were organised whereby 216 elderly homebound were enabled to
enjoy outings to the Kent countryside, local parks and open spaces.
Each party was escorted and tea was provided.
A further 50 old people were entertained at a summer garden
party organised by the Eltham Rotary Club.
Television and Radio Sets
The Department acts as agent for certain voluntary organisations
which provide television and radio sets for lonely homebound old
persons of limited means.
Furthermore, the Department has also received a number of
television sets which were donated by members of the public for
use by old people. Although the majority of these sets are nearing
the end of their useful life, they have helped very considerably to
relieve the boredom and loneliness of the old people to whom they
have been loaned. Donations of second-hand television sets,
particularly those in reasonable working order, are therefore most
welcome.
Demand for the loan of television sets, to even the most deserving
cases, far outstrips the supply and there is a waiting list.
Library Services
The Council's Library Service to Old People's Homes was further
extended and collections of books were changed regularly.