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73
Occupational Therapy at Welfares Homes for the Elderly
Therapy sessions in the old people's homes continued intermittently
because of the lack of occupational therapy staff, but
every effort was made to provide the tuition where special requests
were made by any of the residents.
Large Print Books
Arrangements have been made with the Borough's Library
Department for a regular supply of large print books to be supplied
to the welfare homes where necessary.
Hobbies and Handicraft Exhibition
The Kingston upon Thames Association of Old People's Welfare
Committees held a Hobbies and Handicraft Exhibition at the Guildhall
in July for entries from the elderly people from the borough, and I am
pleased to be able to report that of the elderly people in the borough's
old people's homes who entered exhibits, Mrs.M.Heselwood, aged 71 years,
a resident of Fairlawn, Warren Road, Kingston Hill, was successful in
obtaining a first-class award for her crocheted tablecloths.
Voluntary Services in the Residential Homes
The close link between the many voluntary organisations and
associations has resulted in the elderly residents receiving many gifts,
and being entertained by many of the organisations, and I am again
pleased to record my appreciation to all concerned.
Charges for Accommodation
The standard charge for accommodation provided in the borough's
six homes is £13. 3.1. weekly, but is due for review. Only five
residents pay this amount for their accommodation, the remainder are
assessed and the majority pay the minimum of £4 per week as laid down
by the Department of Health and Social Security, leaving the balance of
their £5 retirement pension for pocket money.
Residential Accommodation in other Local Authorities' Homes
At the 31 at December 1969 there were 82 elderly people from
the borough accommodated in homes run by other local authorities, and
19 residents in the Council's old people's homes who were the responsibility
of other local authorities.
Residents in homes outside the borough for whom this authority