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The chronic case, aged and infirm, requires assistance in
the home in most cases for as long as the patient lives, and
apart from the actual work done in the home the helper can
bring comfort and companionship to many lonely people.
The integrity of spirit and service of helpers exerts an
inspiring influence on those dependent upon their practical
domestic assistance. A doctor's certificate is required in all
cases.
The nature and extent of the helper's duties depend on whether
she is employed full-time or part-time. The home confinement
cases are usually allocated full-time help, and at present in this
Area there are six of these helpers who have been appointed fulltime
because of their general suitability for full employment. The
cases of the aged, infirm and chronic sick are usually allocated
part-time help ; and some of the part-time helpers attend as many
as three cases in the day as it is felt that it is better to give a little
help to many rather than a lot of help to a few.
Only volunteers are to be sent to homes where there is an
infectious case, and they are to be informed how to exercise care.
Precautionary notices are issued both to householders and workers,
particularly in regard to tuberculosis cases. Arrangements have
been made for medical examination and radiographs to be carried
out for home helpers who have intimated their willingness to
attend households of tuberculosis patients.
Each helper is required to complete a time-sheet, and the
applicant or other responsible person in the house completes a form
showing the number of hours worked each time the helper attends,
and signs testifying that the work has been carried out satisfactorily.
Wages and accounts are based on these time-sheets, and the
Organiser visits the households where helpers are employed to
ascertain when the emergency is past, so that the helper may be
diverted to where the need is considered to be greater.
A scheme has recently been put into operation in the County
for the training of domestic helpers. The names of six candidates
have been submitted for the examination. The candidates will in
due course be interviewed by an officer from the Institute of
Houseworkers, and each candidate will be required to write a
letter at the time of the interview to the Chairman of the National
Institute of Houseworkers explaining her reasons for desiring to
take the Diploma Examination. Prior to the interview a report