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THS CARE OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED
Mental Illness
During the year 351 referrals were received from various sources.
Of this number 141 patients required in-patient treatment in Psychiatric Hospitals,
37 being admitted on an informal basis and 104 under statutory procedures.
Within the total number of referrals received, 162 were specifically
referred for community care and at 31st December, 1967> 79 patients were
being supported in the community.
5 patients have been placed in voluntary homes or hostels outside
the Borough for varying periods during the year and at 31st December, 1967
4 were still in residence.
A large number of inquiries and interviews connected with mental
illness and mental sub-normality are received by all sections of the
department and the sum total of the Borough's services in support of the
mentally ill far exceeds the statistics recorded above.
Hostel
Gower House Hostel which opened in April 1966 continues to play an
important part in the domiciliary re-settlement of psychiatric patients.
During the year a reasonable turnover of patients was experienced resulting
in 10 admissions and 12 discharges. It is gratifying to note that only two
patients needed to be returned to Psychiatric Hospitals for further treatment
during the year.
At 31st December, 1967 11 persons were in residence at Gower House.
Boarding-Out Scheme
The Boarding-Out Scheme launched during Mental Health Week, 1967
was widely publicised through the medium of the press and posters. The
response to an appeal for land-ladies wishing to participate in the scheme
was very disappointing, only two single flatlets being offered. Two residents
from the Hostel were placed in the flatlets at the beginning of December.
The Boarding-Out Scheme offers a guaranteed weekly rent for accommodation
with a retaining fee for any period when this is not required.
Social Club
The Social Club run by the Sutton Association for Mental Health
continues to function every Tuesday at the Day Centre, 77 Woodcote Road,
Wallington from 8.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m. and the Senior Mental Welfare Officer
and other Mental Welfare Officers attend on a rota basis. The Club, which
offers a varied programme, is popular and averages a weekly attendance of
24 members and helpers. Participation in social activities makes an
important contribution to the rehabilitation of mentally handicapped persons
many of whom feel unable to make the necessary effort on their own in an
environment which they find to be strange and lacking in understanding of
their difficulties. The warmth of welcome they receive at the club together
with the support and encouragement of the voluntary woricers and professional
staff provides them with a means of overcoming their handicap.
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