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147
it is not such a far cry to envisage a "rehabilitation flat" within the
home where those who would benefit could be re-taught the arts of cooking,
housekeeping, etc., and become acclimatised again to living "at
home".
In this connection possibly more exchanges could be effected between
sheltered housing and Part III homes, although one must always
balance what the people want against statutory limitations. Some overlap
is unavoidable when comparing Part III homes and sheltered housing
with Warden service, which can range from mere caretaker to the sensitive
caseworker. The standards and age of admission to sheltered housing,
however, can soon blur or even conflict with Part III "care and
attention" assessment.
Similarly some overlap will occur at the other end of the scale with
those residents in our Part III homes who have deteriorated to such an
extent as to warrant admission to hospital. Self contained special care
units for the elderly mentally infirm have now been established within
our homes, but there is still a strain which is fortunately eased in Redbridge
by the co-operation of the local Geriatricians.
From this short exposition it can be seen that residential homes
staff arelcontending with a far wider range of duties than mere "residual
care". It is indicative of their devotion to the elderly and their willingness
to co-operate that we are achieving varying degrees of care and
attention instead of mere hotel-type service. Concepts such as day care,
short-stay rehabilitation, special care units and resident participation
inevitably bring extra pressures to bear upon the home staff and they are
to be congratulated in "caring for people" in the homely yet forward
looking manner outlined in the Williams Report.
Mention should also be made of the part-time attachment of a Senior
Departmental Medical Officer to our services. Correct use of medical
advice is of real value to the social worker and to the homes staff.
Liaison work with G.P's and hospitals and general advice within the
homes on medical matters, diets, etc., has proved the value of this
appointment. The attachment of a medical advisor linked with the
appointment of a Homes Officer covering the fabric and day-to-day running
of the homes, together with social work support from our specialist
teams, has now formed a firm basis for progressive thinking and action
within the homes.