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Approximate number of children (end of 1954) 0— 5 13,168
5—15 23,857
37,025
HOME HELP SERVICE
There was an increase in the number of new cases receiving help during the year (Table 1). The
number of new cases of tuberculosis, blind, chronic sick and aged remained about the same, but there was
a marked increase in the number of maternity cases and those coming under the classification of 'Others!
There has been a gradual increase in the total number of cases being dealt with at any one time.
Although maternity cases normally require home help for a short period only, the total number of
hours is large—42 had the services of a full-time home help. Many mothers restrict or do not have the
services of a home help because of' the expense. Twelve booked a home help but then made other arrangements
and cancelled their bookings.
The assessments of tuberculosis cases now appear to be satisfactory, and there have not been the
same difficulties as experienced in the past.
Most old people receive help free of charge, but some have been assessed to pay a few pence per
hour. When appeals have been made, the assessments have frequently been reduced or waived. 49 depend
on the home help for their mid-day meals which are prepared for them on the days when the W.V.S.
meals are not delivered. 75 per cent. of the old people depend on the home help to do their shopping.
The number paying the full charge of 3/- per hour is small; they are limited to the maximum of
four weeks home help as they are expected to obtain their own help privately.
Establishment.
The staffing position at the end of the year was almost equivalent to that at the beginning. As
usual, there was a large turnover but less than in the previous year (Table 2). The average establishment
for the year was 85.8. A male home help was employed from 20th January to 29th October and was preferred
to a woman by many of the old men, but he resigned as he could not keep his family on the wages he
received, an hourly rate of 2s. 7⅜d.
Some home helps give up their work after a short period because they find it too hard; others give
up because of changed domestic circumstances, such as leaving the district, having a baby, or finding more
remunerative employment. Nevertheless it has been possible to recruit up to the full establishment of home
helps.
There is, however, a high proportion of absenteeism due to sickness, illness of children, etc., which
makes it difficult to meet the demands fully at all times. No applicant eligible for help has been refused,
but during the winter months when demand exceeds supply, help has to be reduced to many cases in order
to provide for the emergencies that arise.
During the year the home help organiser made 3,859 visits; one assistant organiser was absent for
a period of nine weeks because of illness.