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Long-Term Care
Beds in subnormality hospitals for mentally handicapped children were almost
impossible to obtain, but Sydenham Children's Hospital and Hither Green Hospital
have accommodated a few children pending other arrangements being made.
The number of mentally handicapped persons for whom the Council accepts financial
responsibility has risen from 22 in December 1965 to 62 in December 1970. Placing
has become increasingly difficult, geographically scattered and expensive. Owing
to the increase in number of long-term care placements, it has been necessary to
increase the amount of social worker time spent in maintaining contact with homes,
supervising the progress of each individual and assessing the continuing suitability
of each placement.
Personal contact with homes, although time consuming, has paid dividends in
terms of the prevention of breakdown in placements, the maintenance of standards
of care and in the ability to secure placements for difficult cases because of the
confidence homes now have in our ability to provide support at times of crisis.
Downham Club for Sub-Normal Children and their Parents
Statistics show that there are some 50 subnormal children and adults resident in
Downham. Mental health social workers visiting in this area felt there was a need
to break down the isolation which many parents and relatives were feeling and to
establish more contact than the occasional visit of the social worker could hope
to provide. The idea that regular meetings should be held was received enthusiastically
by the parents and with the co-operation of the Salvation Army, who allow the
use of their hall rent free, fortnightly meetings have been held since October. Alongside
the parents group a club has developed for the mentally handicapped and this
caters for an age range from 15 to 40 years. The club is supervised by the parents
themselves. By the end of the year 22 parents and 18 children had joined. Three
social workers now attend regularly and the parents welcome the opportunity to
meet together to discuss their mutual problems.
SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY ILL
Honor Lea Hostel
Staff shortages have again necessitated the engagement of agency nurses. During
the year admissions totalled 33 (including eight who were re-admitted); 27 came direct
from hospital and six from home. Of the 24 who left the hostel, six returned to their
homes, five found other accommodation and 13 were admitted to hospital, of whom
five were later to return. Many ex-residents continued to keep in touch and some
visit frequently. The knowledge that they are able to return to the staff for friendly
advice is an aid to full recovery.
Every effort is made by the Warden to find employment for the residents through
his good relationships with known employers. It has been found that once employment
has been provided attendance is above the national average. Those who,
owing to the scarcity of jobs, are unable to find work attend the day centre, where
their efforts are greatly appreciated.
The League of Friends continues to be a great help to the hostel by arranging social
activities and donations.
The self-care unit continues to function well in restoring self confidence and
giving help to those who, it is hoped, will later move onward to their own accommodation.
75 Arbuthnot Road
75 Arbuthnot Road was opened in 1969 as a half-way house for those who have
been mentally ill and, although able to cater for themselves, still need the support
of sheltered accommodation.
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