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Emergency Domestic Help Scheme.
The Emergency Domestic Help Scheme administered by the
Council in this area under delegated powers from the Kent County
Council has progressed a long way during the past 12 months. At the
time of my last report it was only in its infancy, but is now a fully
fledged Scheme and definitely a well-established addition to the services
available to the public.
Many problems and difficulties were encountered as throughout
most of the period under review new ground was still being broken.
A falling off in the number of helpers available was noticed before
and during every holiday period.
Towards the end of the year it was decided to employ all workers
in a part-time capacity even though some worked on an average 40
hours a week.
Over 300 formal applications have been dealt with. Forty women
have been employed under the Scheme. A total of 130 cases received
assistance. 220 home visits were made.
Of the cases referred to the department for assistance, approximately
66 per cent, were recommended by Doctors, 20 per cent, by
Hospital Almoners, 5 per cent, by District Nurses, and the remaining
9 per cent, from miscellaneous sources, including members of the
clergy, Old Aged People's Association and other welfare bodies.
This Scheme has obviously filled a long felt want and has come
to stay. It is my very earnest wish that it should be developed extensively
until the point is reached when anybody who is incapacitated
through illness or old age and requires domestic help should be able
to obtain same.
My experience of the working of the Scheme and of the successful
way in which it is now developing leads me to place on record my
appreciation of the wisdom shown in delegating powers under this
Scheme to the local County District Council.