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67
Aids, Gadgets and Adaptations
36. Arising from the visits of the social worker, recommendations
for the supply of personal aids or adaptations to property have
been made. An analysis of aids supplied shows that an amount of
£1,481 3s. 3d. was spent on the provision of 240 aids, viz:
6 Amesbury chairs
26 Bath safety mats
33 Bath safety rails
56 Bath safety seats & boards
2 Bath safety toilet aids
1 Bed cradle
1 Bookrest
1 Combined knife & fork
3 Prs. Crutches
1 Food guard
9 Lifting aids—Penryn
2 Lifting aids—Winchester hoist
1 Patient helper
4 Pick-up sticks
1 Ripple bed
4 Stocking pullers-on
15 Toilet seats
1 Trolley (standard)
10 Walking aids—Tripods
8 „ Quadrupeds
11 „ Rollators
3 „ Walkamatic
40 „ Zimmer
37. In addition to the aids supplied directly by the Welfare Services,
the Borough makes an annual grant of £50 to each of the three
divisions of the British Red Cross Society operating in the area.
This contribution assisted the British Red Cross Society in its
supply of a range of nursing aids which complements those supplied
by the Local Authority.
Aids supplied by
The Local Authority
All types of walking aids
Hoists—e.g., Easicarri, Winchester
and Penryn Lifters
Bath seats & safety rails
Raised & adjustable toilet seats
Amesbury chairs
Ripple beds
Pick-up sticks
Stocking pullers-on
Feeding & other small aids
The British Red Cross Society
Air beds Kidney bowls
Bed mattresses Mackintosh sheets
Bed rests Commodes
Air cushions Wheelchairs
Urinals Feeding cups
Air rings
Bed pans
Fracture boards
Air blocks
Bed cradles
38. Very often simple adaptations such as the installation of hand
rails will be sufficient to make mobility in the home less arduous
and much more safe. There are other occasions where it is necessary
to make adaptations to improve access to bathroom and toilet
facilities. It may be that a person confined to a wheelchair requires
doorways to be widened or ramps to be put in the place of steps.
Whatever the requirement may be the social worker is available
to advise on the most suitable method of adapting the home
environment to meet the needs of the individual so that a more
independent life is possible. Where adaptations appear impracticable,
efforts are made to obtain more suitable housing accommodation.
Early indications are that there is a need for more
specially designed houses or flats for the seriously disabled in the
Borough.
39. When an individual is provided with a motorised invalid
vehicle the Ministry of Health require that suitable garaging