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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 FEBRUARY 2020 14 ELDERLY CARE Don't forget your elderly relative on Valentine's Day From schoolchildren handing out cards and sweets to classmates to elderly loved ones and everyone in between, Valentine's Day is for people of all ages to enjoy. This February 14, celebrate love, reconnect and share the happiness with your elderly loved one VALENTINE'S Day is another great time of year to express our love for others, especially older persons in care. For some, it is a way to beat the blues, or it could serve as a sad reminder of a love who has passed away or whose strength is gradually diminishing. For oth- ers, on the other hand, it is the perfect occasion to celebrate yet another happy year spent with a loved one. Whatever the meaning, every- one deserves to be happy on such a positive day. With this in mind, on February 14 CareMalta will be hosting a number of cou- ples – from the nine facilities it operates – to a morning of love, joy and merriment at the Mell- ieha home for the elderly. Mellieha facility manager Amanda Tonna said: "The event serves to bring everyone togeth- er to spend quality time in the company of family and friends. After all, this is our mission every day – not only to offer our residents the very best in care but to love them dearly and real- ly make them feel at home." Couples, whether accompa- nied by family or friends, better halves or carers, will be the main protagonists on the day. They will make a grand entrance on a red carpet laid especially for the occasion and then receive all the attention they deserve. The event is popular with cou- ples under CareMalta's care. Some residents prepare for the big event way before the actual day, while others make it a point to attend to be able to catch up with their friends or loved ones from other homes. It is also a special date for all home managers, nurses, carers and their teams, who make that extra effort so that elderly resi- dents in their care enjoy every single second of this day. Seeing the residents having a good time gives them more pride in the ad- mirable work they carry out. A lavish lunch will be served on the day, during which couples can take the time to sit down with their loved ones and fondly reminisce about the love of their life. Some pull out photos and love letters, while others recount vivid memories and share them. Love tokens are placed at each dining table for couples and guests to read through – wise words about love and compan- ionship. Red, heart-shaped bal- loons and ribbons will fill the Mellieha home with romantic vibes. There will also be a photo booth for the happy couples who wish to have their picture taken, as well as a boxful of props for those wanting to have some fun. CareMalta operates nine homes – Casa Arkati in Mo- sta, Villa Messina in Rabat, Roseville in Attard, Casa San Paolo in Bugibba, Casa Marija in Sliema and the Mellieha, Cospicua, Zejtun and Zammit Clapp Hospital residential homes. CareMalta is passionate about delivering the very best to its residents through its core values of quality, safety, integ- rity, development and dignity. Whether one chooses care for a short period, or perhaps a longer stay, CareMalta ensures it is a happy and pleasant one. For more information, visit www. caremalta.com. Couples in love from last year's event are seen wearing fun Valentine's Day props and expressing their love for each other. Some others are seen writing meaningful messages to their loved ones on the day. Love tokens are placed at each dining table to create a romantic atmosphere PHOTOS: MATTHEW CUTAJAR/ICAM STUDIOS