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68
requiring the supervision of a trained nurse in a suitably designed or adapted
building. The majority of those requiring residential care fall into this
category and the distribution of the categories of bed led to an imbalance
which caused considerable difficulties for, and hardships to, elderly people
during the year. The opening of such a designated home—Vernon Lodge—
on the 6th December was a welcome relief and by the end of the year
17 residents had been admitted. As with all homes, considerable difficulty
is being experienced in recruiting trained staff and it is possible that some
time will elapse before a full complement of elderly persons is admitted
to Vernon Lodge. The following table gives details of homes run by the
Borough. The waiting list for this type of home grew during the year from
seventy-four on 1st April to ninety-nine by the end of the year. Seventyeight
elderly people were admitted during the year.

A further twenty-three were admitted for short periods and this shortterm
care provides one way of giving support so that elderly people are
enabled to stay in their own homes amongst their relatives as long as
possible. Examples of other agencies and services which are fully utilized
are:—district nurses, home helps, meals-on-wheels, luncheon clubs, social
clubs, chiropody. Health visitors play a big part in their care and in addition
to dealing with other problems give advice on health matters such as
diet. Through their good relationship with statutory and voluntary bodies
such as The National Assistance Board and church organisations, the
section's social workers are able to arrange financial and other help for
those in need. Companionship is very often the root cause underlying the
need for admission for residential care. The organizing officer for the
Harrow Old People's (Voluntary) Committee arranges for friendly visits
to those in need.
In these and every other way preventative measures and community
care are forming an increasing aspect of the section's function and it is a
service which will be expanded as rapidly as possible.
Inspection of Private and Voluntary Residential Accommodation
The duty for inspecting private and voluntary establishments under
the National Assistance Act 1948 was also assumed by the Borough on its
formation.
formation. The following table gives details of the three voluntary and nine
private homes which are situated within the Borough.