Volume 1

Report of the Committee of Enquiry into Mental Handicap Nursing and Care.

  • Great Britain. Committee of Enquiry into Mental Handicap Nursing and Care.
Date:
1979
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: Report of the Committee of Enquiry into Mental Handicap Nursing and Care. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Joseph enjoyed good health and was a happy, active child until he contracted measles at the age of 2 years. Complications followed which left Joseph blind, deaf, mute and paralysed. His parents were unable to cope with the problems of caring adequately for the child and he was admitted to hospital in 1936. He has been confined to bed since his original illness. Nevertheless, he is well- nourished, his skin is intact and he is the recipient of care and concern from all members of the caring team. Although he receives physiotherapy regularly, Joseph has developed con- tractures of his lower limbs, no doubt caused by his many years of inactivity. Because of his posture, feeding poses difficulties and care staff have proved themselves ingenious in developing techniques of feeding which allow him to enjoy a varied and adequate diet. The extent of his disabilities has necessarily limited any communicative ability which Joseph may have. After a meal he makes gentle gurgling noises; other than that he is totally lacking in any response. Care staff take great pride in their day-to-day work with Joseph, chatting to him as they change his bed and attend to his basic needs. His general health is relatively good and with such care there is every probability that Joseph will attain a normal life span.