Homes for Old People

By 1975 it is envisaged that the number of beds in mental hospitals will be reduced from the present level of 3.3 per thousand of population to about 1.8 per thousand1. It is uncertain whether this considerable reduction will be achieved mainly by a diminution in the numbers of elderly or of younger patients who must remain in mental hospitals. It is, however, clear that it will be practicable only if the community health services are greatly expanded. The chief medical officer of the Ministry of Health in his annual report for 1957 estimated that of all the patients over the age of 65 in psychiatric hospitals during 1954, some 12} per cent could be cared for in old people's homes. An important function of local authorities now is to provide residential accommodation under Part II of the Mental Health Act of 1959. But by the end of 1961 only four hostels for ambulant elderly confused people had been established by local authorities.