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32
are unwilling to consider any old person who suffers only from
senility and not from some organic complaint or disease.
The additional strain thus imposed on the staff of an Old
People's Home who are called upon to care for the bedridden
and chronically sick, is severe and some change in the character
and function of the Home, not of our making, is the inevitable
result.
In fairness to the medical profession, however, mention must
be made of the selfless service by the doctors, in the face of
many difficulties, attending the old people in our care at Armstrong
House, and of their strenuous efforts to gain admission
to hospital for those who have become chronically sick.
In addition, arrangements are made for out-patients specialist
treatment, x-ray examinations, oculist examinations and dental
treatment where necessary. A Chiropodist visits the Home
regularly.
Source of Supply.
Very close liaison exists between the Matron and the Welfare
Officer of the County Council, who is given first call on all
vacancies which occur. With a turn-over of only seven, however,
the demand greatly exceeds the need for accommodation and a
great many applicants have to be refused.
Recreation, Entertainments and Welfare.
With the general health of the inhabitants of the Home
deteriorating, fewer old people are able to journey into Bromley
or Beckenham for their entertainment, but concerts and film
shows have been given in the Home by local organisations and
friends.
A weekly allowance is given to every old person with which
to buy sweets, cigarettes or tobacco. Periodicals and magazines
are provided in the Home.
Finance.
Total expenditure of £3,170 0s. Od. incurred in running the
Home during the financial year ended 30th September, 1950,
exceeded income by £465. The weekly all-in cost for the year
amounted to £2 7s. 3d. per resident, per week, to which must
be added a proportion of Central Office administrative expenses
bringing the true cost up to £2 13s. 9d. per week."