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The demand for residential accommodation for those in need of care
and attention remained fairly constant throughout the year. A total of 202
applications was approved and from these 163 persons were admitted. 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. During the year 38 such persons were
admitted to voluntary homes.
In many instances the care and attention required by the elderly is
provided by relatives in their own homes. In such cases it is preferable and
desirable that elderly persons remain in their own or relatives' homes for
as long as possible and to assist them the Borough short stay scheme,
which was further expanded, admitted 71 persons during the year. These
admissions enable relatives to be relieved for holidays and in many cases,
are the means of easing pressures and tensions. The short stay scheme,
together with the full support of other services can delay or entirely
prevent permanent admission to residential homes.
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. 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 assistance for those in need. The Harrow Old People's
(Voluntary) Committee arranges for friendly visits to those in need.
These preventive measures and community care services have been
further expanded and form an increasing aspect of the section's function.
Protection of Moveable Property
The safeguard of personal property of patients in hospital or residential
homes is a responsibility undertaken by the Borough under Section 48
of the National Assistance Act, and during the period 22 cases were dealt
with and property in two cases was stored by the Borough.
Welfare Services for the Blind and Partially Sighted
Three home teachers for the blind carried out 3,442 home visits and
provided 197 handcraft and 137 Braille or Moon classes. The number of
lessons given was less than the previous year owing to the fact that for a
period only two home teachers were available.
Voluntary organisations also assisted in many ways. The home
teachers also ran a handcraft class and organised a special Christmas sale
of work at Hanover House which was well patronised. The standard of
workmanship was very high and very little was left unsold.