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59
between the sheltered environment of hospital and the full stresses
and responsibilities of life in the open community.
The majority of those who have been admitted have, in due
course, taken up their place again as fully independent members of
the community within a reasonably short time. One or two have
regressed and have had to return to hospital care and in one case
it was found that care and support would be needed indefinitely
and arrangements were made for a transfer to a long stay establishment.
Group Homes
In September, 1969, a "group home" for five women was
opened in Anerley. In such a home, the residents live together in a
community and maintain themselves with the support of a social
worker who visits regularly and advises and sorts out problems.
Each resident pays an agreed charge which covers rent, repairs,
heating and lighting.
This scheme has enabled several persons in hostel care who
still need some degree of support, to move on one step further
towards complete rehabilitation and independence.
Following the success of this scheme, a second "group home"
was opened in Bromley in October of this year, which provides
similar facilities for 10 residents and at the time of writing, nine
places are occupied.
An important aspect of these two establishments is that they
are self financing. The fact that all residents are seen to be financially
independent is a key element in their rehabilitation.
Boarding Out Scheme
During the current year a further step in providing accommodation
has been the implementation of a boarding out scheme.
The scheme comprises the provision of suitable lodgings in appropriate
cases at an agreed weekly charge. The resident will meet this
charge if he is able to do so, but if not, his contribution is determined
in accordance with the Council's assessment scales and the
Council accepts responsibility for the difference.
A social worker maintains contact with both the resident and
the landlady and is available to deal with any problem or crisis
which may arise.
At present two persons are boarded out under this scheme.
It will be seen that a successful start has been made in tackling
the problem of providing residential care but much still remains to
to be done.
At the time of writing, negotiations are in hand for the
acquisition of a site for a hostel to accommodate approximately