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Workroom/Day Centra
The establishment of a workroom/day centre at a site in Ballards Lane under
provisions of the National Assistance Act, 1948 (Amendment) Act, 1962, was considered
by the Council in 1962. Suggestions embodying an extension of the services
to be provided were considered in September this year when the revised scheme and
estimate were approved in principle, and it is anticipated that building operations will
commence towards to end of 1964.
The proposed accommodation as it now stands includes the provision of a combined
workroom / club room / dining room, reading room, matron / warden's office,
geriatric clinic, bath/shower room, kitchen and hairdressing salon, together with
store room, W.Cs., etc., to be contained in ground floor accommodation of approximately
2,400 sq. ft. so constructed to permit development to first floor level if required.
In addition, 4 units of ground floor old persons' accommodation will be erected with
direct access to the centre, together with the development of a block of 9 self-contained
flats.
The centre will be staffed by a resident matron/warden and driver/handyman,
preferably man and wife, no doubt supplemented by the willing assistance of voluntary
workers from organisations in the Borough. One of the self-contained flats mentioned
above will be reserved for the matron/warden and driver/handyman and a communicating
bell system will be installed between this flat, the old persons' accommodation,
the matron/warden's office and at vantage points within the centre.
This scheme will permit the provision of a comprehensive range of services
designed to serve a dual purpose; to encourage and foster in the old people
themselves an active and pleasurable participation in the centre's amenities, both
occupational and medical, and to offer respite from responsibility and the opportunity
to be otherwise gainfully employed to the old person's family.
The largest room, approximately 40 ft. x 24 ft., will serve as a work room and a
club room as well as dining room at lunch time. The work room and club room
portions can be varied from day to day according to use. The success of a workroom
run by the Finchley Guild of Social Service in a hall in East Finchley since October,
1962, has indicated the need and the benefit that ensues.
A reading room is provided for those who want peace and quiet to read, write
or meditate. A clinic room will be operated on a sessional basis to provide a geriatric
health advisory service and chiropody.
Other facilities include a bath/shower room and a hairdressing salon.
The W.V.S. have agreed in principle to provide as part of their Meals on Wheels
service delivered hot meals to be dispensed from the kitchen.
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