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A few elderly persons suffering from early senile dementia, but not certifiable
under the Acts were admitted to the Psychiatric Unit at Langthorne Hospital. This type
of case, which normally does not need treatment in a mental hospital, remains a problem
owing to the lack of suitable accommodation.
MENTAL DEFICIENCY.
Ascertainment.
The number of mental defectives ascertained during the year was 50 (30 males and
20 females). This number includes 39 cases (26 males and 13 females) which were reported
by the Local Education Authority. Of the new cases 8 (3 males and 5 females) were admitted
to institutions - 7 under Order and 1 as in a "place of safety"-and 42 (27 males and 15
females) were placed under Statutory Supervision.
In addition to the foregoing 6 other cases were reported of which 3 were placed
under friendly supervision, 1 was found not to be defective, and in two cases no action
had been taken at the end of the year.
Supervision.
At the end of the year there were 300 defectives (164 males and 136 females) under
statutory supervision,and 52 cases (32 males and 20 females) under friendly supervision. In
addition there were 14 patients (9 males and 5 females) on licence from institutions who
were supervised by the Council's officers.
All these cases are visited by the Duly Authorised Officers at varying Intervals
according to the circumstances of the case. Special cases are referred to the Council's
Psychiatric Social Worker.
Parents and guardians are advised as to the care of the defective and in the majority
of cases the visits and advice given are welcomed and appreciated. A large number of the
defectives under supervision are in fairly regular employment and are self supporting.
Others who are capable of working are helped to find suitable employment or are referred to
the local Disablement Rehabilitation Officers. The number of domiciliary visits to mental
defectives under statutory and friendly supervision made by the Duly Authorised Officers
during the year was 1722.
In addition the officers made 236 visits on behalf of Mental Deficiency Institutions
to defectives on licence and to make enquiries regarding home circumstances. This latter
information is required in connection with the periodic review of cases by the Visitors
to Institutions,and for the purpose of deciding as to the advisability of allowing defectives
to return home on licence or for holidays.
Guardianship.
The number of defectives under guardianship at the end of the year was 4 (1 male and
3 females). All are resident outside West Ham, 3 are maintained by the Council and one is
in the care of her parents.
In each case the defective is visited periodically by the officers of the local
authority in whose area they reside. The three cases for whom the Council have financial
responsibility are also visited annually by one of your medical officers.
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