Today, National Standards were launched to regulate the services provided in residential homes for the elderly. At the launch of these standards, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing Justyne Caruana, said that the Government is launching this document with 39 standards divided over 7 specific topics, the – household obligations, health care and personal care, daily life and social activities, complaints and protection, environment, engagement of staff and Management and Administration .

Dr. Caruana explained how these standards will apply to homes run by the State, as well as those of the Church and Private Enterprises. Although there will be a set period of time to allow existing homes to meet these standards, new homes must adhere to the new standards from the time they open.

The Standards also advocate care homes to promote a culture of Active Ageing in the Care Home consistent with Malta’s National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing. The mission of care homes should go beyond the traditional concept of ‘elderly care,’ and enable residents to realise their full potential for physical, social, and mental wellbeing, whilst also providing an environment where residents are enabled to engage in productive activities, and a healthy, independent and secure lifestyle.

The standards stipulate the minimum requirements for the facility to operate a care home as well as the required knowledge, skills and competencies needed by management and staff to ensure care homes deliver quality services. The underlying principle upon which the Standards are based include person-centred care, dignity, privacy, physical and mental wellbeing, self-fulfilment, autonomy/ empowerment, equality, and the right to complain and right to legal recourse.

Dr Caruana announced that these standards will be incorporated into law, they are currently with the Attorney General to eventually be submitted for the approval of the Cabinet.

She explained that this law will create an autonomous being who will be enforcing these standards through a dedicated official. On existing homes, each operator will submit a report and scheduled period to observe the standards as set. There will be a penalty as in a suspension of the license for those that do not comply.

National Minimum Standards in English

National Minimum Standards in Maltese.

Photograph: DOI/Jeremy Wonnacott

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