AN AWARD-winning business is re-launching and repositioning its home help service as demand rises and the issue comes under discussion nationally.

Samantha Acton, director of Bournemouth-based Domestic Angels, said politicians now recognised the need for people to be better supported at home.

She said: "Domestic Angels has been helping people in their homes since 2002 and has noticed a growth in the need for its Home Help services as an ageing population increases."

"The role of home help is not a nurse or a chef; Domestic Angels plugs the gaps not covered by nursing and care professionals whilst giving clients basic human kindness and contact, keeping them connected, independent in their own homes and able to retain their dignity."

Domestic Angels team leader Lisa Cooper added: "The family of an existing elderly client initially called us concerned that their mum wasn't eating or keeping a routine. We established a service of three visits a day, preparing simple meals and keeping the client company whilst she ate. The visits also gave us enough time to keep the housework in check and pick up shopping and prescriptions. Essentially we were doing what the relatives would like to have done themselves had they been living near- by and not in full time employment."