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It was erected on a site of local historical interest on which for many years stood the
Manor House of Higham Benstead, which ceased to function as a manorial centre in about
1768, but continued to be occupied. In the 19th Century it became the residence of a very
distinguished local figure - the Rev.Eliezer Cogan, who conducted his well known Academy
there. Perhaps the most famous of the many notable persons who attended the Academy was
Benjamin D'lsraeli.
The old house was eventually demolished in 1934 and its name was given to the Old
Persons' Home to perpetuate the title.
The Home provides residential accommodation for 52 elderly persons of either sex
comprising 36 single and 8 double bedded rooms, a ground, first and second floors.
A special workroom is included to provide occupation for about 24 persons of whom
half will be non-resident. The dining room of the Home is large enough to permit these nonresident
persons and several others attending at the Home for "day-care" to be fed. Use is
also made of this room by a number of blind persons who attend for handicraft instruction
from Social Workers.
Several interesting features, some of which were suggested by the former Chief Welfare
Officer for the Borough, Miss B.Warshaw, are incorporated in the design of the building and
its fittings. These include an electronic system of personal intercommunication for staff
patrolling at night, a "Medic-bath" which enables the user to step into it through a removable
front panel which, when replaced, is sealed by air pressure to prevent water escaping and a
specially constructed "shop" in the foyer for the sale of stationery, toilet sundries, sweets
and other small commodities to the residents.
Specially designed fitments and surrounds to the washbasins are installed to enable
the residents who have difficulty in washing themselves to overcome this by resting their
arms at the sides of the basins.
There are small areas at the ends of the corridors on each floor where residents can
sit if they do not wish to use the lounges and on each floor is a room with the necessary
facilities for tea making, which is available to residents or their friends and relatives who
would like to share a cup of tea with them when visiting.
Self contained flats for the Matron and Deputy Matron are available together with three
bedsitting rooms for other residential staff.
The cost of the building, including professional fees, was £125,500 and almost
£15,000 was spent on furniture and equipment.
Hostel for the
Subnormal
Sylvan Lodge settled down for a year of normal working during 1970, the Matron,
Mrs.Bridgland, giving sterling service under recurrent difficulties with regard to supporting
staff. As reported last year a small hostel of this kind, the only one run by the authority,
lives on a knife edge with regard to staffing as it has no resilience to deal with staff shortage,
sickness or leave.
More hostels of this kind remain the greatest single need for capital development in
the borough's welfare services.
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