People in Cornwall who need help staying in their own homes to avoid moving into residential care receive one of the best services in country, according to an independent report.

The charity, the Centre for Ageing Better praised Cornwall Council's Cornwall Home Solutions service in its 'Adapting for Ageing' report as one of the 'best examples of English Councils supporting people to live safely and independently at home'.

Cornwall Home Solutions supports people through stressful life-changing situations, providing tailored help from practical adaptations to their existing home layout and sourcing special equipment, to providing financial advice and, in some cases, assistance with moving home.

The project is a key part of Cornwall Council's work to support more people to stay in their own homes rather than live in residential care, reducing demand on already overstretched council services.

Ian Searle, an 83 year old from Truro, was struggling to manage in his home due to his visual impairment. He was supported to move into a ground floor flat in an area that allowed him improved access to public transport. He has since gone on to help other people experiencing similar problems.

He said: "The help I received has transformed my life. I am now a Silverlinks Volunteer and I talk to people on the phone offering advice to people making important decisions about where they live and getting adaptations fitted".Cabinet portfolio holder for Adults Rob Rotchell said: "This service is a great example of how we are supporting older people to live indepe

ndently and therefore reducing the number of people who need ongoing and long term support from adult social care. 

"By investing in services such as these we can help to reduce the long term demand and at the same time support people to live the lives they want to lead, at home near their family and friends."

Last year the service supported:

890 disabled people to have major adaptations to their homes such as level access showers, stairlifts and ramping

52 disabled people to move to a more appropriate home

1,720 vulnerable people to have minor works through the 'Handyperson' service

Of the customers who received these services 96% of them rated them as either 'excellent' or 'good'.