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persons in order to give advice and guidance on services available
to them or with personal problems totalled 1,829 during the year
This represents an increase of 65% over the previous year.
Transport
55. Special transport facilities, in the form of vehicles fitted with
hydraulic lifts to take wheelchairs, were made available during
the year by the local authority and by voluntary agencies. The
Welfare Services Sub-Committee provided a vehicle capable of
carrying 12 persons or 6 persons and 3 in wheelchairs. The Bromley
Old People's Welfare Committee was presented with a mini-bus
fitted with a tail lift by the Council of Youth in May, 1966. The
Multiple Sclerosis Society acquired a converted bus, and the
Beckenham Old People's Welfare Committee purchased a van
adapted for the same purpose. In addition to this, loan sanction
was given by the Ministry of Health for a second vehicle to be
acquired by the Welfare Services Sub-Committee. The British Red
Cross Society and also the Orpington Old People's Welfare Committee
were planning to purchase similar vehicles. Co-operation
between voluntary organisations in the Borough and the local
authority was aimed at ensuring the maximum use of all these
vehicles. The department's vehicle travelled 15,918 miles throughthe
year and carried 6,083 passengers.
Adaptations
56. Adaptations to the homes of handicapped persons were made
in 50 cases during the year at a total cost of £1,285. Assistance was
given by the provision of access runways for invalid tricycles and
adapted cars, the conversion of steps into ramps for wheelchairs,
adaptations to toilets and the provision of grab-rails and pulleys.
57. In co-operation with the Housing Department, one severely
disabled war pensioner was assisted to move into a specailly
adapted bungalow. Certain works were carried out to enable the
man to live effectively in his new home and the cost of the welfare
element of the work was borne by the Welfare Services SubCommittee.
In another case a man confined to living his daily life
in a wheelchair was provided with a Remploy Bath Aid which he
can operate unaided.
58. Persons who receive assistance under this scheme are assessed
to ascertain whether any or all of the cost of the work involved
can be recovered. Some opposition to the imposition of a "means
test" has been met and the social welfare officers have
experienced some difficulty in maintaining satisfactory relationships
because of the necessity for detailed assessments.
Personal Aids
59. A total of 291 personal aids, including walking frames, pick-up
sticks, bath mats and various toilet aids have been supplied as well