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51
Hostels
Tanglewood Hostel.—This establishment was first opened in February
1964 by the former Middlesex County Council. It is a large converted
house with extensive grounds and provides accommodation for 27
patients (15 men and 12 women). During 1965, its 26 patients, mainly from
Shenley Hospital, were referred for possible admission. Each patient was
interviewed by the Chief Mental Welfare Officer and Warden to assess
their suitability for the hostel. At 31st December 1965, there were 11 men
and 9 women in residence and one patient awaiting admission.
Meetings are held at monthly intervals at the hostel at which senior
staff from this Department and Shenley Hospital attend to discuss patients'
problems. Frequent informal discussions also take place between the
medical and social work staff of both the hospital and this Authority.
Approximately 50 visitors were shown over the hostel between April
and December 1965.
Non-Maintained Hostels.—Prior to the former Middlesex County
Council opening their own hostels for the mentally ill, it was the practice
to place patients recommended for such care in hostels run by voluntary
societies.
On 1st April 1965, there were five Harrow patients in hostels run by
the Mental After Care Association and one patient in a hostel run by the
Richmond Fellowship.
As Harrow now maintains its own hostel, it is no longer the practice
to use other hostels unless, on medical grounds, it is considered to be in
the patients' best interests to do so, and during the period 1st April to
31st December 1965, only one patient was so placed—in a hostel run by
the Jewish Welfare Board.
Day Centre for the Elderly Mentally III.—This establishment
was opened by the former Middlesex County Council in September 1964.
The premises consist of a large house which has been adapted for the
reception of suitable cases on a day basis, 9.0 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to
Friday, with the exception of Bank Holidays. Although it is regarded
as a ninety place centre, it is not intended that the average daily attendance
shall exceed fifty. Both sexes are catered for and transport is provided
to bring them to the centre and return them home. Occupational therapy
and other suitable activities are available and no charge is made for the
facilities provided, except for the mid-day meal which costs l/4d. per day.
Minor physical difficulties often complicate mental changes in the
elderly and cases are admitted at the discretion of the Supervisor and no
hard and fast age limits or psychiatric standards have been laid down.
The object of this project is to help as many as possible to continue
to live in the community and by the provision of interesting occupations
and the opportunity for mixing with others assist in preventing rapid
deterioration with the inevitable request for hospital admission.