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85
Social Work in the Community - Domiciliary Visiting
The social welfare officers under the direction of the
deputy chief welfare officer, have carried out their work under
intense pressure during the year, and the increased number of persons
placed in residential homes and the amount of assistance provided for
a larger number of handicapped people does not in itself illustrate
the demanding nature of the work. Again I must stress that the success
of the work of the social welfare officers cannot be measured in
statistics - advice, sympathetic guidance and help at the right time
can prevent the need for an elderly person to be placed in a home.
Effective social work support depends upon the co-operation of
different agencies.
The demand from hospital medical social workers for help for
patients discharged home has again been great and has required the cooperative
efforts of all the domiciliary services, such as home helps,
district nurses, health visitors, as well as other statutory and
voluntary workers.
The social welfare officers made some 9125 visits during the
year, many of which were of an introductory nature as the first step
in ascertaining needs.

OTHER WELFARE SERVICES
Receivership
The Chief Welfare Officer was appointed by the borough council
to act in matters of receivership. A receivership is required where,
after considering medical evidence,, the Court of Protection is satisfied
that a person is incapable of managing and administering his or her
property and affairs. The appointment of a receivership is at the