Siobhan Ryan reports on plans to extend the Living at Home scheme in East Sussex as part of efforts to improve social services in the county following a damning report.

WHEN Marguerite Childs fell and hit the back of her head she had to be taken to hospital.

She returned home after she was discharged but staff from social services became increasingly concerned because the 96-year-old was still having trouble getting around and controlling her diabetes.

Staff had a chat with Mrs Childs and offered her a place on the department's Living at Home programme.

The programme is a rehabilitation service, where people stay in one of East Sussex County Council's residential homes for six weeks to build their confidence before returning to their own homes.

In the five weeks Mrs Childs has been at Harvard Road in Ringmer, near Lewes, she has worked with staff to sort out the problems which made it difficult for her to be at home.

This has included helping her to control her diabetes by eating regular meals throughout the day.

Mrs Childs was also assessed by an occupational therapist and physiotherapist to find ways for her to get around her home and cope with daily tasks.

These include making dinner, having a bath or going out to the shops.

The team also gives people financial and legal advice, helps to arrange appointments with hospitals and doctors and generally try to sort out any worries.

Mrs Childs recently returned to her home with the team for a quick visit to make sure everything was in place and she would have no problems getting around when she returns properly.

Mrs Childs said: "Everyone here has been wonderful. The people are really nice and do everything they can to help.

"I have enjoyed my time here but when it really comes down to it I would rather be in my own home and give that a chance.

"It seems amazing that they would do so much for one person.

"I am more confident than I was when I first came in."

Mrs Childs' wish to be in her own home rather than in residential care is not unusual.

The county is changing its emphasis from residential care to providing help and support for people in their own homes instead.

Eighty per cent of the hundreds of people who take part in the Living at Home scheme every year are able to go back home again.

There are six homes across East Sussex taking part in the programme and the service is expected to expand in the future.

It is open to people over 65 years old who want to retain their independence.

Most of the patients come directly from hospital, where they have been treated for falls or have had hip replacements.

Many are uncertain about going home straight away and this is where the service steps in.

Priscilla Allan, senior practitioner in occupational therapy for the service, said: "What we are doing is building up people's confidence by getting them to do things for themselves.

"We want to get them back to the level they were at before they went to hospital or were referred to us.

"Once they have gone home, the people that use the service are still checked up on to make sure they are coping all right.

"What we don't want is for someone to go home, fall again and end up back in hospital."

Once home, people also get practical support from a team of home helps which could include assistance with jobs such as cleaning and shopping.

This usually lasts for six weeks but is extended if necessary.

Irene Hiscock, resource officer at Harvard Road said the service was becoming increasingly popular.

She said: "The most significant thing is the service means hospital patients can be discharged more quickly and the hospital can use those beds again.

"If we did not have the service then a lot of the people we see might have to wait longer in hospital instead.

"Many people now prefer to be in their own homes rather than in residential care and something like this service makes that possible for them."