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71
During the year a total of 185 applications for residential accommodation
were approved and from these 171 were admitted to Borough
homes. In addition Harrow residents were admitted to various homes
administered by voluntary organisations and other local authorities. Where
appropriate the Borough becomes financially responsible for those
residents under the provision of Section 26 of the National Assistance Act
1948 and 38 such cases were admitted during 1968.
It is preferable and desirable for elderly persons to remain in their own
or relatives' homes for as long as possible with the help of supportive
services such as district nurses, home helps, meals-on-wheels, luncheon
clubs, social clubs, chiropody, home visitors and health visitors. To
enable relatives to be relieved for holidays and to ease pressures and tension
the Borough operate a short stay scheme. The demand for this service is
increasing annually and 130 elderly persons were admitted during the year.
The short stay scheme, together with the full support of other services, can
delay or entirely prevent permanent admission to a residential home.
Through their good relationship with statutory bodies such as the
Department of Health & Social Security and church organisations, the
social workers are able to arrange financial and other assistance for those
in need.
These preventative measures plus community care form an increasing
and important 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 8 cases were dealt
with and property in one case was stored by the Borough.
Welfare Services for the Blind and Partially Sighted
Because of staff movements only two home teachers were available
for eight months of the year. Despite the shortage 2,248 home visits were
made and 66 handcraft and 98 Braille or Moon Classes provided.
Social activities play a vital part in the lives of blind persons and with
the assistance of voluntary organisations many outings, dances and shows
were arranged.
The Middlesex Association for the Blind arranged a dinner and dance
at Brent Town Hall for all the social clubs for the blind in Middlesex and
also organised the annual handcraft exhibition. To celebrate its centenary
the Royal National Institute for the Blind arranged for each blind person
of Harrow to receive a greetings card and £1 gift voucher. The Harrow
Social Club for the Blind, which has been in existence for 18 years,
continues to flourish, ably supported by voluntary organisations.
Holidays were arranged by the Borough for 56 blind persons accompanied
by 16 guides.