Be the first to comment!Elderly living at home employing a carer can benefit from up to €7,000 per year
 Email item
|  Print item
|
|
Minister for the Elderly and Active Ageing Michael Farrugia has announced that as from this year, elderly who choose to continue to live at home and employ the services of a qualified home carer will benefit from an increase of €1,000 per annum in support from the government.
The Minister explained that the benefit under this scheme will be increased from its €6,000 to €7,000 per year. It was introduced at €4,500 in 2016, increasing each year to date.
He added that thanks to this scheme, the elderly person will continue to live in the comfort of their own home.
It was also explained that the applicant needs to submit an application form which will be evaluated by the CommCare team within the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC).
The applicant needs to find and employ a qualified carer who has the required qualifications documentation, a notarial employment agreement and an official document from Jobsplus or ID Malta (the latter in the case of citizens of third countries), indicating that the carer is registered as an employee with the applicant.
Once the documentation is submitted, the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care enters into a service agreement and the benefits start to be paid directly into the bank account of the beneficiary.
The maximum benefit is paid to carer employers on a full-time basis and payment is made monthly. Those who opt for a part-time arrangement will be paid pro-rata according to the hours involved, the government said.
Minister Michael Farrugia explained that by the end of 2016, there were 57 beneficiaries for this scheme, but over the years, it has continued to gain more popularity and to date there are 573 elderly who are benefiting.
The Department of Active Ageing and Community Care said that it is receiving an average of 50 new applications per month.
More information can be found on the website www.activeageing.gov.mt, those interested can also call the Senior Service Centre on 2278 8800.
