BEFORE the introduction of the Sharp scheme, Alan Hopper would probably have faced lengthy stays in hospital following both of the falls he has had in recent years.

But the 78-year-old from Newton Aycliffe has been able to remain at home thanks to help and care provided by the Sharp team.

Sharp, which operates from Cleves Cross Grange, Ferryhill, is a multi-agency service covering Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor, Shildon and Ferryhill.

Funding for the service is provided through a partnership of organisations including Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (PCT), Sedgefield Borough Council, Durham County Social Services and County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

The aim of the service is to promote the independence of older people in the community who are having difficulties with activities of daily living and are in need of care. Sharp provides a 24-hour response, seven days a week.

The home care is provided through an independent care provider, accredited to social services, by assessing the patients and providing care and rehabilitation to help them to remain at home.

The initiative has also helped to tackle bed-blocking problems by avoiding many unnecessary hospital and residential home admissions.

The first time Mr Hopper needed the help of Sharp was two years ago, following a fall from his buggy.

His wife, Florence, was also having health problems and was unable to care for him on her own. That was when Sharp stepped in.

Mr Hopper, who was awarded an MBE in 1999 for his work for the fire service, said: "They came every day for a week, morning, noon and night. They did anything and everything for me."

The couple required the services of Sharp again when Mr Hopper suffered a nasty fall which left him badly injured. This time the team stayed for six weeks.

Mrs Hopper said: "He would have had to go into hospital because I couldn't have managed. They did everything that was required. They were like little angels. We were very grateful and can't speak too highly of them."

An evaluation of the service was conducted by the Postgraduate Institute of Health at the University of Teesside, to ensure it meets Government standards.

The report says: "Sharp plays a significant role in maximising older people's independence and enhancing their quality of life, especially in regard to those who live alone."

Val Douglas, Sharp co-ordinator, said: "The Sharp team has successfully helped many people to remain at home and we are constantly evaluating and enhancing the services we can offer.

"In the future, specialist equipment and technology will enable patients to be discharged from hospital early or maintain them safely in the community for longer."