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34
Day Centre
For some time the need has been felt for a day centre where elderly or
more chronically disabled patients could attend by the day for care and
occupation. An opportunity was taken in 1969 to run such a centre experimentally
at "The Oaks", Thornton Heath. This experiment confirmed the
need and proved so successful that it is planned to develop this facility
further in the future. During the year between 30 and 40 patients were able
to attend with consequent benefit to themselves and help to their relatives.
Residential Care
(i) Temporary Care
In 39 instances short term care for mentally handicapped patients was
made through the hospital service, and convalescent holidays were arranged
for 20 patients, and 31 on two group holidays during the year.
Temporary residential care for patients recovering from mental illness
continues to be provided through the Mental After Care Association's hostel
in Croydon.
(ii) Long Term Care
(a) Boarding Out Scheme
During 1969 41 patients were found lodgings through the scheme, 9 more
than the previous year. Of these 25 were still in lodgings at the end of the
year, 12 had moved on to other accommodation and 4 had been re-admitted to
hospital. A total of 83 patients were living in such lodgings at the end of the
year.
Again tribute must be paid to the landladies who participate in the
scheme and make it such a successful aid to the rehabilitation of patients.
(b) Group Homes
The 5 small group homes already established continue to run smoothly
and provide accommodation for 31 residents.
Social Work
At the end of 1968 the number of active cases carried by the social
worker was over 1300 and represented new high level in the history of the
service. During 1969 the pressure of work has increased still further and
despite a number of staff changes the total work load ran at over 1400 action
cases throughout the year. The number of requests for social work assistance
was also substantially greater than in any previous year and the social
workers were concerned in helping about 2,500 people during the year.
In addition to social work assistance to individual patients and relatives
group work has also been developed whereby a number of persons can be
helped together. The social workers are concerned in five such groups catering
for about 50 persons and representing different categories of need.