A GWENT scheme aimed at providing more care for older people in their own homes is set to be launched in April.

A report to be discussed at Newport council's cabinet meeting tomorrow says the Gwent Frailty Project is progressing well and is ready to be start on April 4.

The initiative, which is jointly run by Gwent’s five local authorities, the Aneurin Bevan Health Board and local voluntary organisations, aims to provide services to frail people in a way that focuses on the needs of individuals.

It will involve providing care to those who need it in their homes, reducing the need for hospital beds and places in residential care and nursing homes.

Service users will be assessed to ensure they have the right level of care, which will allow for better management of staff work loads, the report says.

This will improve the day-to-day working practices for staff and reduce the amount of time spent recording information improving efficiency.

The report says this will provide a better outcome for the those who use the service and will be better value for money.

The Gwent Frailty project is supported by a £9m funding from the Welsh Assembly over three years which will be repaid over five to seven years.

In Newport it is estimated it will cost £2.17 million over the next three years, which the report says is better value for money than simply doing more of what is currently in place.