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87
Occupational Therapy
During the year, 33 patients were visited by our two occupational
therapists. Of these 29 were mentally ill and four mentally
subnormal. Most of them were seen once a week, a few once a
fortnight, on a regular basis. Some short term cases were also
visited. These mainly involved assessment and acquisition of
industrial outwork. The ages of those visited ranged from 17 to
82 years.
As in hospitals, occupational therapy at home involves many
activities, by which the patient can benefit. These should always
be concrete and of purposeful direction, and this must wherever
possible, be explained to the patient. The majority of people
visited are chronically ill, and interests range from traditional
handicrafts which encourage initiative and provide a basic interest,
to household management, cookery, decorating, hair-dressing and
dressmaking. Whenever possible social activities are encouraged,
particularly participation in a group.
Close co-operation with voluntary bodies such as Task Force,
the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and the Christian Service
Centre has proved to be most beneficial. The invaluable work
carried out by these organisations cannot be overestimated.
The occupational therapist has obtained outwork for the training
centres though this has been seriously impeded due to the
credit squeeze. This work involves many contacts with manufacturers,
numerous telephone calls and interviews, and close liaison
between patient and manufacturer.
In all their work, our occupational therapists maintain close
contact with the psychiatrist, general practitioners and social
workers who may also be in touch with the patient.
Day Centres
Although there are three day hospitals in the area, the Council
itself does not at present run a day centre for the occupation and
rehabilitation of mentally ill patients. However, it has been possible
to place five patients in the day centres run by the Borough of
Southwark and the City of Westminster, and I am very grateful
for the help offered by these authorities.
Special Clinics
Special Clinics for diagnosis and consultation for subnormal
children continued to be held at Balham Child Health Clinic and
at St. Christopher's Clinic, Battersea.