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Liaison with Government Departments
Close links have continued with the government departments whose work
affects the social services. Special thanks are given to the local managers
of the Department of Health & Social Security who have given every possible
assistance.
Day Centres for the Elderly & Handicapped
The Centre at St. Vincent's caters for the elderly in need of constant
care and their attendance provides families with a break once or twice a
week. Facilities for hairdressing and bathing are provided and in the summer
small groups are taken for short drives in the parks or country.
The Centre at Blythe Hall was also open daily to the handicapped who
are able to learn handicrafts 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 these are loaned free of charge for as long
as they are required,
Adaptations
A number of structural alterations and adaptations have continued to
be made in the homes of disabled people 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 have allowed the disabled
to be as independent as possible.
Recuperative Holidays
Recuperative holidays in which the emphasis is on rest, good food and
fresh air, are provided for adults including expectant mothers and children.
Arrangements for such holidays for school children are normally made
by the Medical Adviser to the Inner London Education Authority, usually at
one of the Authority's holiday homes. The holidays are provided on medical
recommendations which are subject to the approval of the Medical Officer
of Health.
The following table summarises arrangements made during the year
(figures for 1969 are in brackets).
over...
D.37