Kim BriscoeA Norfolk charity is launching a new home domestic service to help pensioners with cleaning and chores so they can stay in their own homes for longer.Kim Briscoe

A Norfolk charity is launching a new home domestic service to help pensioners with cleaning and chores so they can stay in their own homes for longer.

While the service will be initially piloted at a sheltered housing unit on the outskirts of Norwich, Age Concern Norfolk hopes it will be made available in future to older people across the county.

The Home Domestic Service offers a fixed-price domestic cleaning services plus additional support services, for example changing a light bulb or helping with shopping over the internet.

Kate Rudkin, head of development and operations at Age Concern Norfolk, said: 'Age Concern Norfolk's Home Domestic Service is designed with older people in mind and will be tailored to the individual.

'The basic domestic cleaning service can be complemented with additional services, such as assistance with shopping over the internet.

'These services could be of particular use to older people who may find it difficult to get out and about or simply need a helping hand.

'We aim to provide a consistent, safe service, which is also priced competitively.'

The service differs to the help offered by social services, which is based on personal care rather than domestic care.

The basic principle is to offer a reliable, comprehensive domestic cleaning service carried out by staff appointed by Age Concern Norfolk.

All staff will carry an identity card and quality standards will be closely monitored.

The pilot begins from Monday and plans to roll out the service to all older people in Norfolk are currently being developed.

Age Concern Norfolk chief executive Hilary MacDonald said the service was being launched in response to older people telling the charity it was what they needed and wanted.

She said: 'This is not about personal care, but about a domestic home service.

'This is essentially about helping people with household cleaning and chores.'

The service will be piloted to sheltered housing tenants at Grays Fair Court, the �5m state-of-the-art resource centre for older people in New Costessey.

Is your organisation launching a new service to help older people? Contact reporter Kim Briscoe on 01603 772419 or email kim.briscoe@archant.co.uk.