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66
Summary of results
In the short period under review, it has only been possible to form an
impression of the values of the various types of accommodaion, but from
the evidence so far available it would seem that the conditions and accommodation
at Bessborough Road have proved relatively successful. It is
hoped that further accommodation will become available towards the
middle of 1966.
It may be that as time goes on further accommodation of the "halfway
house" type will be needed. This would be used by families who have
progressed sufficiently for them to be re-united whilst they are awaiting
their turn on the housing list. Whilst there they will doubtless continue
to require help from the Social Worker.
In the light of experience there would appear to be a need to strengthen
the social work team dealing with this problem type of family. The main
target of the team would be preventative social work in the home.
Welfare Service for the Handicapped
Handicapped persons in Harrow may avail themselves of a wide range
of services and their welfare is the concern of four social workers. They visit
the handicapped in their own homes and by developing good relationships
are able to discuss with them their various problems and so arrive at ways
of enabling them to come to terms with their disabilities and lead as independent
a life as possible within their capabilities. To assist them to this
end the Borough provides mechanical aids of all descriptions and 62 were
issued by December. They ranged from extending shoelaces and specialised
cutlery to bed hoists, walking aids and easy chairs with devices designed
to help a handicapped person get into the standing position when required.
Where necessary, adaptations to homes are made and seventeen major
and minor applications were received during the year. A further nine,
estimated to cost £4,156 were outstanding by the 1st April 1965. Adaptations
may take the form of widening doorways, installing ramps and
handrails, providing downstairs toilets or bathrooms and in fact cover
any modification which will increase the degree of independence of the
handicapped person.
For those handicapped persons who are unable to work in open employment
or under sheltered conditions there is a work centre for 25 people.
Here, for three hours a day, light assembly work is done five days a week,
and workers can earn up to £1 19s. 11d. per week. Transport is provided
by the Borough and early in its existence a special coach was provided
which is equipped with a power-operated ramp which can lift wheelchair
and patient into the coach. For those unable to attend the centre, work is
provided at their homes.
With the co-operation of the British Red Cross Society, a weekly
handcraft class is held, attended on an average by at least twenty handicapped
persons. During the period from April to December a total of 764
persons attended this class.
Social activities play an important part in the lives of handicapped
persons and apart from a choral class held twice a week, which is wholly