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57
Hostels
Tanglewood Hostel—During the year 27 patients were admitted to
Tanglewood, which is a large converted house with extensive grounds and
provides accommodation for 27 patients.
During the same period 34 patients were discharged of whom 9
returned to hospital, 20 returned home and 5 went to other accommodation.
At the end of the year there were 19 patients in residence. Of
the 27 patients referred for admission, 14 came from Shenley Hospital
and 13 were referred by mental welfare officers. Of the referrals received
during the year 3 were from other local authorities, all of whom were
admitted and were still resident at 31st December, 1967.
Patients accepted for the hostel must generally be capable of working
in the community and they are assessed to pay a weekly contribution
towards their maintenance according to their earnings. As in previous
years, meetings are held at the hostel to which medical and social work
staff from this Authority and Shenley Hospital attend to discuss the
general welfare and progress of the patients.
The hostel originally provided accommodation for 15 men and 12
women patients, but because many more referrals were received for
women during the latter part of the year it was decided that a four-bedded
dormitory on the male side of the hostel should be allocated to female
residents. In addition, two bedrooms on the female side were in course of
conversion into single rooms. When all conversion and re-decoration is
completed the hospital will be able to accept II male and 16 female
residents.
Approximately 50 visitors were shown over the hostel during the year.
Non-Maintained Hostels—During the year 3 patients were placed
in homes run by voluntary associations, as it was felt that this would be
in their best interests. Some people, particularly the elderly, are not
suitable for Tanglewood Hostel or Part III accommodation and yet need
care on a long term basis. At 31st December, 1967, the number of such
patients was 6.
This Authority has made provision in the ten year Health and
Welfare Development Plan for a 35 place hostel for the elderly mentally
infirm but until such time as this is opened it is necessary to utilise homes
mainted by various voluntary associations.
Boarding-Out Scheme—Under the scheme the social workers are
responsible for finding suitable lodgings or foster homes for those
mentally disordered patients considered suitable for such accommodation.
This Authority guarantee rents of up to £6 6s. Od. per week and patients
are assessed to pay a weekly contribution out of their earnings. During
the year, however, no patients were placed under this scheme, although