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problem. Undoubtedly the Medical Officer of Health for the Borough
of Bromley is fully aware of the administrative gulf which exists
between a Local Authority responsible for the welfare of old people
and a Regional Hospital Board concerned with health. Old people
still living in their own homes and those resident in communal Homes
who become chronically sick may find themselves in an administrative
"no man's land " between the two with neither side being able to fully
cater for their needs. A partial solution from the Society's point of
view appeared to be in the exchange of hospital patients, who had
responded to treatment, with chronically sick from old people's Homes,
but, unfortunately, more often than not those admitted from hospital
have proved most unsuitable. In most cases no alternative choice
was offered by the hospital, neither was it possible for the matron to
interview the prospective resident before admission. Another difficulty
is that a hospital sometimes expects the Home to re-admit the resident
after a stay in hospital, in spite of the fact that the bed has been occupied
by the ex-hospital patient.
The Matron of Armstrong House has asked me to say that, without
the co-operation and constant help of local doctors, the staff would
not have been able to carry on during the winter months when at one
time eight residents in the Home were seriously ill. As well as regular
visits from doctors, arrangements were made for the residents to receive
Out Patients Specialist treatment, X-Ray examinations and eye and
dental treatment.
Source of Supply.
The majority of new residents have come as the result of exchanges
with hospitals, but close liaison is maintained with the Welfare Officer
of the Kent County Council, who is given first call on all vacancies
arising. It is more and more difficult to find reasonably fit old people
as opposed to those who need a fair amount of care and nursing attention.
The overall demand for accommodation is still greatly in excess
of the facilities available.
Recreation, Entertainments and Welfare.
With the residents becoming less and less mobile, home entertainments
assume greater importance. Concerts and film shows are frequently
given by local organisations and friends. Voluntary helpers
visit the Home regularly to chat with and take an interest in the old
people. A weekly allowance is given to every person with which to
buy sweets, cigarettes or tobacco. Periodicals and magazines are
provided in the Home.
Religious Worship.
Short informal services are held in the Home every Sunday
evening.