A new service to help older people “stay independent for longer” has been launched in High Wycombe.

Elderly people living in the Park Street sheltered housing will get help with practical tasks such as applying for aids and adaptations, form filling and tackling bills and debt or claiming benefits.

They will also get help with socialising, and staying safe and active as part of the Connect Independent Living Service (Connect).

Under the scheme, which is being funded by Buckinghamshire County Council, welfare visits will be made to residents who have used an alarm to alert officers.

Wendy Mallen, deputy cabinet member for health & wellbeing, said: "People are living for longer these days.

“We have to make sure that our older residents can enjoy this by supporting them to stay independent for as long as possible.”

The service will be provided through to Connection Floating Support charity which has been giving housing related support to adults across the county for more than a decade.

Liz Bubbear, operations manager for the charity, said: "We know that most people prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

“Connect’s main aim is to help people in independent living accommodation to live purposeful and fulfilling lives.

“We think of it as the ‘happiness project’ – by removing some of the obstacles to independent living such as loneliness, managing money or getting out and about, we can help improve an older person’s sense of wellbeing and general contentment with life.”

Ms Mallen added: “Remaining independent often goes hand-in-hand with living a happier and healthier life by preventing (or delaying) the onset of more serious problems - and has the added benefit of reducing demand on other social care services.”

Anyone living in supported housing, including residents’ friends and relatives, can refer themselves to the service. There is no need to go through a doctor, carer or social worker.

For more information, call 01296 484 322.