A COMPANY that strives to help pensioners stay in their own homes for longer is creating 130 jobs in Hampshire.

Home Instead Senior Care, one of Britain's biggest care providers, is an award-winning firm with offices in Southampton and Fareham.

The company is taking on about 2,000 extra staff across the country as the number of elderly people continues to increase.

New figures from Age UK show Britain now has more pensioners than under-16s - and the rising tide of older people still living at home has created a boom in demand for care workers.

A Home Instead spokesman said: “The need to employ more carers in the region reflects a national trend that's a result of the ageing population.

“A recent report from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills identified the need to recruit more than half a million carers by 2022.”

Graeme Cann, of the company's Southampton office, added: “Caring for the elderly has never been a more important issue.

“The huge increase in demand for home care has resulted in a significant period of change and growth in social care, leading to a broader range of improved job opportunities in the sector.

“We are delighted to be creating 130 jobs in Hampshire and bringing a welcome employment boost to the region.”

Home Instead, which has more than 150 offices and already employs 6,000 people, specialises in providing non-medical help for pensioners.

Services provided by the company include shopping, housework and the preparation of meals - plus help with bathing and dressing.

Carers also offer companionship, which can range from a friendly chat to escorting clients on visits and appointments.

Last month Home Instead was named Britain's top home care provider by LaingBuisson, which produces league tables based on data from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It is also the first national home care provider to be judged “outstanding” under the CQC's new rating system.