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Day Centres for the Elderly and Handicapped
The Centre at St. Vincent's caters for the elderly in need of constant
care and their attendance provides their families with a break once or
twice a week. Facilities for hairdressing and bathing are provided. In the
Summer small parties are taken for short drives in the Prks or in the
country.
The Centre at Blythe Hall, already mentioned, was open daily for
handicapped persons and handicrafts are arranged for those who wish, and
are able, to take part under the guidance of an Inner London Education
Authority instructress.
Luncheons and teas are served at both Centres
Aids and Gadgets
As with the blind, the disabled were lent a large number of aids and
gadgets e.g. pick-up sticks, toilet aids, walking trolleys, bath mats,
and many other safety devices.
All such articles are supplied, free of charge, on loan for as long
as they are required by the handicapped person.
Adaptations
A number of structural alterations and adaptations have been carried
out in the homes of disabled persons to help them overcome their disabilities.
These included the provision of ramps, sliding doors, special
grab rails in kitchens, toilets, and bathrooms. Hand rails in passageways
and on staircases, and many other useful items, enabled the disabled to be
as independent as possible.
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