A NEW scheme to help elderly Wyre Forest people face shorter hospital stays and prevent unnecessary admissions is being launched in Kidderminster on Monday.

The Woodlands Intermediate Care Scheme will provide rehabilitation and support in a safe and homely environment for the over-60s.

Worcestershire County Council has teamed up with Wyre Forest Primary Care Trust and Wyre Forest Community Housing to set up the unit, in Rifle Range Road.

It boasts six centrally-heated furnished bedsit flats, each with its own lounge/bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and lockable front door. There is also a communal laundry room, rehabilitation gym and communal dining room where a luncheon club meets daily.

People in need will spend up to eight weeks free of charge at the unit being assessed and undergoing rehabilitation.

Social services team manager, Kate Pike, said: "This is a really good scheme that will help older people rebuild their confidence and independence should they experience an episode that affects their ability to carry out everyday living activities.

"With the help of the team, we hope that people will be able to return to their homes with an improved quality of life."

The unit will help elderly people with a variety of needs ranging from those recovering from falls, fractures, strokes and hip replacements to those who, emotionally, are finding it difficult to cope on their own.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme can go along to Monday's launch, between 1.30pm and 5pm, and look around the building.