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WELFARE SERVICES
The London Borough of Hammersmith celebrated its ourth birthday on
1st April, 1969, and, in these few years, its Welfare Services have grown
from modest beginnings (based on those first begun by the former London
County Council) to a wide range of Services which are still expanding and
endeavouring to cope with ever-growing demands from those residents of the
Borough who, because of infirmity, disablement, illness, social misfortune,
or old-age, are in need of help.
Residential Services
(i) Homes for the Aged (Local Authority)
The eight Homes accommodate approximately 400 residents and in addition
approximately 100 beds are available in "King's Mead" and "Brockle Bank" run
by the adjoining Boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea and Wandsworth respectively.
During 1969, residents in both Homes were increasingly transferred to alternative
accommodation, and it is hoped to close both these Homes in 1969 and
1970.
Throughout the year there has been a very heavy demand for vacancies
and careful selection on priority needs has been the rule. One hopes the day
will come when applicants can be admitted within a comparatively short time
of applying. Too often this has had to be delayed until crises arose.
The limitation of admission to very frail and infirm persons either
living alone or with hard-pressed relatives has thrown considerable burdens
on the staffs of the Homes, particularly at the four purpose-built Homes
(Westway Park, Southway Close, Stewarts Lodge, and Oak Tree House) which are
all, in effect, ground floor accommodation.
Oak Tree House, a new purpose-built Home, was opened in June, and made
4 short-stay beds available throughout 1969, They were put to such good use
that many who normally care for relatives in their own homes were able to
enjoy holidays, without that responsibility.
About 50 persons used the bedsm and doubtless these periods of relaxation
for the relatives prevented serious family breakdowns.
A tribute must be paid to the Matrons, their Assistances and all the
staffs in the Homes for the way in which they have carried out their work,
often under trying and difficult circumstances; but always endeavouring to
remember that their first duty is to the residents and ensure they have
adequate care.
(ii) Homes for the Aged and Disabled (Voluntary Associations)
The Council maintains approximately 190 persons in Homes run by voluntary
associations. These are Homes which have religious, professional, or
special disability backgrounds, e.g. Methodist Homes, Homes for Aged Jews,
Homes for Aged Seamen, Homes for Spastics, Arthritics, for the Deaf and
Dumb, or the Blind. Distinct from those in the Local Authority Homes who
are almost all in the over-75 age group, those in voluntary homes include
a number of young disabled from 16 years and upwards.
Talks are taking place with adjoining Boroughs regarding the provision
of a Home for the Young Disabled, fortunately very few in number, but who
are at present often have to go to Homes run by voluntary bodies sometimes
far away from family and friends.
(iii) Temporary accommodation
Plans have proceeded for the eventual replacement of Battersea Bridge
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