A SPECIALIST company will be hired to help Essex residents live independently at home after illness, injury or disability.

Essex County Council has announced a bidding process for a five-year contract to run its Reablement at Home service.

It is hoped the service, which will start in April, will allow thousands of residents to remain at home.

The council has worked with NHS clinical commissioning groups across the county to jointly commission the new services, which would be a default for all adults.

Instead of relying on care provision, those in need of support could receive up to six weeks of free help to regain skills and confidence to live at home independently.

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists would be involved in helping adults as part of the scheme.

Dick Madden, councillor responsible for adults and children, said: “Importantly, this new service will mean many more of our residents will remain in their own homes, for longer, and with increased skills and independence.

“Extending the service will lead to a reduction in hospital admissions, and will reduce or remove the need for long term care packages.”