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75
The persons listed are living in homes in all parts of the
country. Some of these homes cater for people requiring specialised
care or environment together with those which provide general care
and attention, exclusive of any admission requirements. Placements
in these types of homes will continue to be made until there is
sufficient accommodation within the borough.
The problem of finding vacancies in voluntary and other
authorities homes is still with us and the waiting time for such
vacancies, particularly for the physically disabled, can be up to
two years. Whilst a small number of blind and physically handicapped
persons can be integrated into our own homes, this is in no way an
answer to the problem and only a purpose built specially designed
home is the solution.
Registration and Inspection of Private Homes for the Elderly
At the start of the year there were three registered
voluntary old people's homes and the voluntary home run by the British
Red Cross Society under its own charter, but in July this home closed.
A number of the residents were found vacancies in the borough's old
people's homes.
There were fourteen registered private old people's homes
within the borough at the end of the year. One new home included
in this figure was registered during the year under review.
All homes have been regularly inspected, and thirty-five
visits were made during the year.
Temporary Accommodation
This service was redelegated to the Housing Department from
1st April 1969 and the records were transferred to that department,
but the social welfare officers have continued to follow up certain
cases where necessary.
Meals-on-Wheels Service
Providing regular, well-balanced meals is an obvious essential
requirement in a service which sets out to sustain elderly people in
their own homes. Attention is constantly being given to the improvement
of the quality and variety of the menu and to the special needs
of individuals. The dietetic requirements of elderly people is considered
while always catering for the traditionally popular dishes.