London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kingston upon Thames 1967
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]
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71
Short Stay Admissions
As well as providing permanent residential care, 53 persons were
admitted during the year under review for periods to enable relatives to take
a holiday or to give them a break from the continued care of their elderly
relatives, or to give the individual a necessary change of environment.
Many enquiries were dealt with from other persons for assistance in making
private arrangements for the care of their elderly relatives.
The 53 admissions were all elderly persons and were as follows:
| Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|
| Homes administered by the borough | 5 | 8 |
| Voluntary old people's homes | 8 | 14 |
| Voluntary homes for handicapped | 4 | 14 |
| 17 | 36 |
New Accommodation
At the end of the year plans were in an advanced stage for a new
home for the elderly at Coombe Oak, Warren Road, Kingston Hill; this will
be for 50 residents and it is anticipated that building will start early in
1968.
Staff
Considerable difficulties have continued to be experienced in the
recruitment of suitable staff for the residential homes, but it is hoped that
when the standard of staff accommodation is improved the situation will become
brighter.
Occupational Therapy at Welfare Homes for the Elderly
Regular occupational therapy sessions are held at the Council's old
people's homes and the residents find interest and relaxation in this work.
Materials are purchased from the residents comforts fund and the finished
articles are sold by the matrons at fetes or coffee mornings for the benefit
of the fund.
A number of articles were exhibited and sold at the exhibition and
sale of handicrafts that was held at the British Legion Hall, Hollyfield Road,