Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1208901
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 FEBRUARY 2020 12 ELDERLY CARE FROM the first day I was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing and Persons with Disability, I immediately began meeting with all the entities connected with this field to discuss the way forward and implement all the changes required for the benefit of the elderly and persons with disability. One of my top priorities is to eliminate once and for all the cur- rent waiting list for admission in residential homes and to continue improving all services available for the elderly and for persons with dis- ability. I am also planning on visiting all residential homes for the elderly and for persons with disability so that I will be able to talk to them and to the staff directly, listen to their suggestions and discuss the way forward. The elderly Several major projects in St Vin- cent De Paul residence are cur- rently underway. A few days ago we launched an investment in en- ergy-efficient systems for this resi- dence. This consists of the installation of new energy-efficient air-condition- ing, ventilation, lighting, and heat- ing systems. In addition there is also the €30 million project which will result in an increase of 500 beds in this residence, the Narċis LTC Re- hab project and the construction of a new pharmacy. The Department for Active Age- ing and Community Care is also in the process of implementing several projects. An agreement with Siġġiewi Local Council to open an Active Ageing Centre is currently being discussed. This service will complement the current day centre service. After the introduction of the new phlebotomy pilot service in Birkir- kara and Mosta, the Department is planning on extending this service in Żabbar and Fgura as well. Thanks to this service, people get their blood drawn by professionals in their own private residences. It is targeted at people living in the community and, as a result of dif- ficulties with mobility, they are not able to leave their homes and go to hospitals or health centres for these services. Later on this year this service will be available in all localities in Malta and Gozo. Discussions about the construc- tion of a day and night shelter in Safi for people suffering from de- mentia are also currently underway. The Government's main vision in this area is to ensure a better quality of life for the elderly in our commu- nities, to continue improving com- munity services and to eliminate barriers to access that people with disability are facing. As the new Parliamentary Secre- tary for Active Ageing and Persons with Disability I will continue build- ing on the valuable work done by my predecessors. The elderly Silvio Parnis Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing and Persons with Disability Active ageing and Commcare service The CommCare Service aims to pro- vide nursing or caring service at home. Provided by the CommCare Assessment Unit, this community-based service ca- ters for the client's needs in a person- alised and holistic manner, using a case management approach. This is achieved by the involvement of an interdiscipli- nary team that also consults with oth- er professionals such as social workers, physiotherapists, occupational thera- pists, podologists and speech language pathologists and entities as necessary. Referrals to other health and social services are also done according to the needs of the client. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ON 22589393. Residential respite service The aim of Residential Respite Service is to provide a service to families who take care of their elders at home. This service is provided so that the informal carer can be temporarily relieved. Residential Respite Service is current- ly offered in the following homes: Casa Leone – St Julian's, St Vincent De Paul Residence, Residenza San Ġużepp – Fgu- ra, Casa Pinto – Qormi, and St. Thomas Community Living – Marsascala. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ON 227888231/22589393. Respite at home service The aim of the Respite at Home service is to provide formal carer support in the senior citizen's own residence, so that the informal carer can be temporarily relieved. The Respite at Home service provides companionship, socialisation, and per- sonal care within the senior citizen's res- idence. Personal care includes bathing, dress- ing, feeding, and toileting. Every request for this service is assessed by profession- als from the CommCare Assessment Unit. Those who are eligible can benefit from various packages. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ON 22589393. Carer at home service The Carer at Home Service is anoth- er service within the community that aims to help old age persons remain in the community with their loved ones. Through this scheme, the government financially supports those senior citizens who employ a carer of their choice so as to assist them in their daily needs. The Carer at Home Service is being offered both in Malta and Gozo. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ON 22788800/13. Psychiatric consultant in the community A psychiatric visit is provided to el- derly residents living in the community who are unable to leave their homes for psychiatric care in a hospital or a health centre without assistance due to mobility problems. A referral ticket by a general practitioner is needed. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ON 22589383. Geriatric care in the community A visit by a geriatrician is provided to elderly residents living in the communi- ty who are unable to leave their homes for geriatric care in hospitals and health centers when necessary due to mobility problems. A referral ticket by a general practitioner is needed. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ON 22589393 Home help service A service given to the elderly and to per- sons with disability and who are in pos- session of a special identity card issued by the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability. Helpers provide domestic assistance in homes within the community for a few hours weekly and also provide assistance in other chores such as shopping. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ON 22788435/6/7. Night shelter service The aim of the Night Shelter Service is to offer shelter during the night to senior citizens who live alone and who, for var- ious reasons, may feel insecure in their home. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ON 22788800/15.