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29
CONVALESCENCE
The Corporation accepts financial responsibility for convalescence
recommended by general practitioners. Each patient recommended must
have had a definite illness or accident and must go to a recognised
Convalescent Home. The Corporation recovers part or all the cost according
to the income of the patient and in accordance with a definite assessment
scale. Certain patients may receive convalescent treatment free, including
Retirement Pensioners. Every effort is made to suit the patient to
the particular Home, as different Homes cater for different age groups and
different kinds of medical or surgical conditions.
During the year 38 cases were so dealt with, 27 women and 11 men.
There were in addition, 21 cases where the patients cancelled their applications
after the arrangements had been made.
HOME HELP SERVICE
Miss J.E. Heath, Principal Home Help Organiser
"Progress therefore is not an accident, but a necessity it is part
of nature." Herbert Spenser.
Throughout 1970 the Home Help Service was somewhat overshadowed
by April 1971 and the ensuing change loomea large in all progressive discussions.
Since 1948 the service in Croydon has grown and developed like a
large family, it was not subject to the sophisticated management techniques
of the 1970's. It aimed quite simply to provide the right woman in the right
place at the right time. Home Helps provided an economical, efficient and
compassionate solution to many problems. The training programme for Home
Helps was directed towards the policy of economy of time, effort and
materials. No training can be devised for enthusiasm and good nature, these are
natural attributes of a good Home Help. Observers from many parts of the
country and overseas came to see and discuss the operation of the Croydon
training scheme. The London Boroughs'Training Committee set aside one day
of each group of seminars for Home Help Organisers for a visit to the Croydon
training flat. In October 1970 the Chairman of the Health, Maternity and
Welfare Sub-Committee presented certificates to Home Helps who had successfully
completed training courses. Members of the staff of other Departments
and Sections who had contributed to the training scheme were amongst the
guests.
One of the District Home Help Organisers was successful in the second
part of the Institute of Home Help Organisers Certificate examination. She
hopes to-complete the third and final part in 1971. Owing to the pressure of
her duties she was unable to avail herself of the day release study time to
which she was entitled. Apart from one week at a residential course she completed
most of her studies in her own time.