The Dar San Ġużepp elderly home in Għajnsielem was inaugurated on Thursday morning by Prime Minister Robert Abela, who described it as a home that offers quality of life to the Gozitan elderly.
A government statement read that the home, which began welcoming its first elderly residents in recent months, has 120 beds spread over four floors.
The home meets high standards and includes spacious areas open for residents’ enjoyment, it said.
Abela said that the location had potential for various projects, but government chose to establish a home for the Gozitan elderly.
“The choice was not only the government’s. It was the government with the Church and the private sector collaborating to offer the service. There is no better example of how we want to work together,” Abela said.
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Referring to the strategy for Gozo for the next ten years, saying that improving the quality of life for all Gozitans, including the elderly, is a top priority, Abela spoke about the need for the elderly to remain active, both when living independently within the community and when entering residential care.
He emphasized that the country’s demographic situation can be exploited so that the elderly who enter residential care remain active and involved in the community.
Abela mentioned various day centres spread around the island, the University of the Third Age, night centres, and a wide range of services offered at the heart of Gozitan communities.
Abela said that, along with new community clinics and health centres, efforts will continue to ensure that the elderly live comfortably, with full accessibility to the services offered.
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said that this is an important investment, saying the home for the elderly is of the highest level, and will welcome around 120 elderly men and women.
The home will also guarantee the quality of life of our elderly, he said, adding that the residents who have already moved in and are living here have given very positive feedback.
Before the inauguration, Abela and Camilleri met with the residents and staff of the home. They were accompanied by CareMalta directors who operate Dar San Ġużepp.