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49
Boarding out Scheme
The objects of a boarding out scheme are:-
(a) To discover elderly persons who are in need of other
accommodation, who would like to live in someone else's
household but are not able to arrange this for themselves.
(b) To find householders or families willing to offer a
home to an oldperson; and
(c) To match up the elderly people requiring accommodation
and the hostesses offering homes so that each will suit the
other as far as can reasonably be foreseen.
This is a very real service, although by its very nature it will only serve
a small proportion of old people in the Borough. It is limited by lack of accommodation
and the suitability of the old people needing such accommodation. The
success of this service can never be judged by numbers. All Organisations who
have established a Boarding Out Scheme are agreed that it is important to begin
in a small way and to build up the service gradually. It is work that needs
infinite patience and care and the delicate matching up of elderly person and
hostess cannot be hurried.
The Boarding Out Officer has been appointed and commenced her duties on the
6th January. Arrangements were made for her to spend some time with the
Lewisham Old People's Welfare Committee, who already have this scheme in
operation, working with and learning from the Boarding Out Officer. We would
like to acknowledge here our appreciation of the help given. Although our scheme,
has only been operating since the end of February, already we have been instrumental
in helping two old people to find happiness in more pleasant surroundings.
Lambeth Centre for the Elderly
This purpose built unit was opened in June 1962 and caters for the needs
of the elderly living in close proximity to the Centre. It is a two storey building
with the workrooms on the ground floor. The top floor is used mainly as a
rest or recreation centre and both services are in operation at the same time.
The ages of those attending range from 60-80 years. Of the present total
69, nine are physically handicapped, three could be classified as mentally
handicapped, and eight are rehabilitation cases. There is, however, a sufficient
flow of work to cater for all sorts of handicap and enthusiasms, thus providing a
constant sourse of interest for all.
A very successful Christmas celebration was held with everyone present,
having an excellent Christmas dinner and tea and a food parcel. The Chairman
Presided at the dinner and declared a week's paid holiday to the delight of all
Present.