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Department, Medical Officer of Health and Housing Department,
37 physically handicapped persons have been rehoused in
dwellings altered to accommodate their physical disability.
Adaptation of Home Premises for Home Dialysis Machines
Three home dialysis machines were installed in the Borough
during the year. This is a new service following a Ministry
directive authorising such a service. The cost of the machines
and additional electricity and telephone rental charges are met
by the Ministry and the local authority has power to arrange
for the installation of the machines.
Such installation is quite involved and a close liaison is
maintained with the Borough Architect and the Hospital concerned
regarding the various aspects of the work for each individual
case.
In two instances the houses originally occupied by the
patients were not suitable for adaptations, one patient being
rehoused by the Council to more suitable accommodation, and
the other obtaining more suitable accommodation privately. In
the third instance the patient occupied a property which was
capable of adaptation.
SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
Social Welfare Officers visit the blind to give advice and
guidance on a variety of matters affecting their well being —
helping them to obtain, where necessary, any special assistance
required in connection with supplementary benefits, financial
assistance with holidays, free wireless licences, loan of wireless
sets, white walking sticks etc. Three handwork classes are run
by Social Welfare Officers who also give braille/moon lessons
and handicraft instructions to blind persons in their own homes.