ELDERLY people across the county could be given a better quality of life, if a new county council plan is pushed through.

Worcestershire County Council is in the process of developing an action plan to make sure the elderly have enough support to remain independent and enjoy their later years.

At the moment, a handful of services are offered through the council and voluntary groups to make the lives of the elderly easier.

These include day centres, home support, and handyman schemes.

But the council wants to introduce a more far-reaching network of services for the elderly to make sure they feel socially included, safe and secure, can access advice and information, and are able to maintain their home and garden.

It also wants to make sure elderly people who are recovering from illness are given as many opportunities as possible to get their life back together.

Eddie Clarke, head of health of social care at the county council, said the policy was aimed at both rehabilitating the elderly and preventing them from becoming isolated.

"Social services want to try and help older people lead as active life as possible," he said.

"However, if there are older people who have had a fall or a stroke, we are keen to help them get access to a whole range of services that will make their lives easier."

Schemes which the council wants to try and introduce as part of the Strategy for Prevention and Rehabilitation include befriending schemes, information and advocacy services, social clubs and day centres, and transport schemes.

It is currently in the process of assessing what is provided throughout the county, so any gaps in the service can be pinpointed.

An action plan will then be put together, which should be completed by September this year.