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Adaptations to Homes
Where necessary the Council carry out a variety of adaptations
in the homes of physically handicapped persons. During
the year 70 such adaptations were carried out in homes, and
these varied from small items such as handrails on stairs and
ramps for wheelchairs, to quite large alterations to provide toilet
facilities, etc., on the ground floor.
Purpose-built Dwellings
By the beginning of 1969. four purpose-built dwellings had
been built by the Borough Council for physically handicapped
persons, and three further dwellings were completed during the
year. Further accommodation, consisting of two 2-bedroomed
bungalows and two 1-bedroomed flats were either under construction
or in the final planning stages by the end of the year,
and these should be ready for occupation during 1970.
Adaptations to Houses for Home Dialysis Machines
Five Home Dialysis Machines have been installed in
houses in the Borough prior to 1969. During the year five further
patients were referred to the Department for installation to be
effected. Close co-operation with the London Hospital Dialysis
Unit, and with the Borough Architect is required as alterations
can be extensive. Delays have been occasioned due to the
unsuitability of the patient's home in one or two instances, and
these have involved either lengthy negotiation to secure major
repairs to the structure of the house or arrangements for the
patients concerned to be rehoused in alternative accommodation.
At the end of the year two installations were being proceeded
with, one was being installed without financial assistance from
the Council, and one installation was still under consideration.
In the remaining case the patient died soon after the question of
a home dialysis machine was referred to the Department.
Occupation Centre for the Physically Handicapped
The Faringdon Occupational Centre for the physically
handicapped provides facilities for 60 persons per day. Some
who have their own transport attend daily, but the majority have
to be transported to and from the Centre in the special ambulance
vehicles which are fitted with lifts to enable physically handicapped
persons to be transported in their wheelchairs. Those
that are transported attend twice per week on average. At the
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