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68
The demand for residential accommodation for those in need of
care and attention which cannot otherwise be provided increased steadily
during the year and the waiting list rose from 99 to 103 despite the
admission of 141 persons.
During the last few years, the tendency has been for the average
resident seeking admission to suffer from a greater degree of physical or
mental handicap than was the case previously. This has led to considerable
problems within the homes themselves and if the trend continued it will
mean that staffing ratios will have to be reviewed. Another factor which
became apparent during the year was that more beds than necessary
were being reserved for men. Consequently, the number of male beds
was reduced.
A number of homes administered by voluntary organisations also
admitted Harrow residents and, where appropriate, the Borough becomes
financially responsible for those residents under the provisions of Section
26 of the National Assistance Act 1948. 30 such persons were admitted to
voluntary homes during 1966.
In previous years, the short stay scheme was confined largely to
admitting elderly persons for short periods during the summer months
whilst their relatives went on holiday. By so relieving pressures and
tensions many elderly persons were enabled to stay in their own homes
amongst their relatives for as long as possible. However, during the year,
this service was extended to include any elderly person in need and a
small number of beds were retained solely for this purpose. 39 such
admissions were arranged during the year. It is hoped that this, coupled
with the full support from the other services will delay or entirely prevent
permanent residential care.
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 Ministry of Social Security 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 organising officer for the
Harrow Old People's (Voluntary) Committee arranges for friendly visits
to those in need.
In these and every other way preventive 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.