Joseph Muscat, Leader of the Labour Party(PL), today spoke at a press conference in front of the Saint Vincent de Paule Residence, where he said that “the concept of active ageing should guide Government policies in the elderly sector.

“A new Government will embrace and impement policies which empower and implement the inclusion of elderly persons in the community, as well as motivate, incentivise and aim at increasing their participation in society.”

Joseph Muscat emphasised a new PL Government’s position against raising retirement age, whilst proposing a process over a number of years which “will gradually lead to a National Minimum Pension which will be equivalent to 60% of the average national income.”

“A new Government will be exempting those elderly people who reside in their own homes and employ a carer, from paying National Insurance. This measure will encourage elderly people to go on living in their own homes and in the community they are used to, as well as reduce their financial burden,” the Labour Leader said.

Joseph Muscat added that “all those who choose to stay in employment after retirement age will be given their full pension by a new Government.”

The PL Leader mentioned two proposals aimed at promoting “more respect towards elderly and other vulnerable persons through the introduction of a law through which there will be further protection from abuse from professionals, family members and other persons who might take advantage of these individuals in different situations.”

He said that there will be tougher penalties on whoever abuses or uses violence on elderly and other vulnerable persons.

“A comprehensive new law should be introduced to regulate homes for the elderly.” Dr Muscat said, “including in the management aspect, the professionals and employees as well as the rights of residents and their relatives whilst ensuring high standards which have to be achieved.”

The PL Leader also stated that elderly Day Centres should develop further the concept of Lifelong Learning in order to ensure that this experience is more productive and interesting for the elderly people themselves.

Muscat added that these Lifelong Learning Hubs should be managed through further involvement of the elderly persons themselves. A Residents’ Board wil be introduced within each Home for the Elderly which will be in contact with the Management Board and other Competent Authorities.

The PL Leader concluded by saying that the private sector should be encouraged to invest in the intermediate care sector for example in patient hotels for elderly who have a low dependecy level i.e. who do not require specialized care but who may need to be hospitalised for short periods of time. “This would reduce the pressure from homes for the elderly and hospitals.”

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