View report page

28
One or two have been away to a W.V.S. Nursing Home for short
periods and returned.
A new venture during the year has been the development of a
handicrafts party, and residents are getting a great amount of pleasure
from making soft toys, knitted and crocheted articles, cushions, etc.,
and a large rug was made for the lounge by a number of the residents.
Really excellent results are being achieved, which is giving them all
quite a thrill.
The full-size billiards table is a source of much enjoyment, as is
also the television set presented by a prominent Rotarian.
A great number of friends have given their time and services in
entertaining the old folk.
The rising cost of living is a source of some concern to the
Management Committee."
"Merevale," Bickley Park Road.
This Home is run by the North West Kent Housing Society, Ltd.,
and the Secretary reports, as follows:—
"Merevale had another successful year, finishing, as it began,
with 35 residents of an average age of 80 years, and made up of 26
ladies and 9 men, including one married couple.
During the year two were transferred to other homes and four
died, but all were replaced by applicants from our waiting list, which
continues to be a long one.
Of the residents, 16 were partly paid for by the Kent County
Council, and two by the London County Council, the remainder being
able to pay all our charges themselves.
After maintaining our charges at £2 12s. 6d. per week since our
opening in 1947, we were reluctantly forced to raise our charges in
November to £3 0s. 0d. being the charge considered suitable by the
Kent County Council."
"Armstrong House," 1, Southlands Grove, Bromley.
This Home is run by The Save Our Souls Society, and the following
report for the year ended 31st December, 1951, has been received
from the Assistant Secretary:—
Capacity of Home 28
Weekly average numbers. 28
Admissions during 1951 10
Departures during 195111
Present residents: —
Men . 16
Women 11
Average age of residents 77 years.
General and Health.
In our reports for the years 1949 and 1950 reference was made to
the difficulty experienced in arranging for the admission of sick residents
to hospital, and during 1951 this was again our most serious