Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1482386
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 OCTOBER 2022 4 ELDERLY CARE CARE homes and Malta's Ac- tive Ageing Centres can offer a range of benefits to residents, in- cluding an improved social life, engaging activities and, where needed, assistance for those suf- fering with physical or mental impairments As society has changed over the last century, so too have the range of options available to us when deciding how we choose to spend our golden years. For those not able to live alone, staying with family can be the most attractive option. F or others, however, this is ei- ther not feasible, not as conven- ient or simply not conducive to one's choice of how to live. For those able to live alone, though without children, a spouse or friends in their local vicinity, life in old age can easily be- come one of isolation, some- thing which poses profound risks to one's mental and phys- ical wellbeing. According to The Royal So- ciety, the United Kingdom's national academy of sciences, isolation can lead to a range of ailments including depression, impaired immunity and poor sleep quality. Indeed, this is something that now may be viscerally un- derstood across all of society; throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant quar- antine measures, many re- ported experiencing a host of negative impacts on both their mental and physical health, with depression and poor sleep regulation amongst the most prominent. It is vital, therefore, to maintain the bonds of com- munity that keep us engaged, happy and healthy — things that are perhaps even more rel- evant later in life. A new lease of life Choosing to live in a care home can provide a new lease of life in terms of maintaining an active social life, with res- idents able to reap the many benefits this has to offer. Various companies in Mal- ta offer a range of options to prospective residents, ranging from fully furnished rooms suitable for those simply wish- ing to make use of the enhanced social life afforded by living in close proximity to other resi- dents, through to accommoda- tion specially designed to assist those suffering from dementia and other ailments. Many community accommo- dation companies also offer a range of auxiliary pursuits such as fitness activities, board games and artistic activities, as well as projects inviting those from outside the community to visit and share unique experi- ences with residents. For those suffering from de- mentia or severe physical im- pairment, however, the reasons for choosing to live in a care home may be more of a practi- cal nature, albeit with the same benefits mentioned above. Dementia, and the pro- nounced memory loss associat- ed with the disease, can often mean that living alone is simply not an option, with sufferers of the condition risking severe personal injury or damage to their property. While this decision may be a difficult one to take, specialist attention and the facilities af- forded by care homes set up to manage dementia can provide long-term health security and, in some cases, even some alle- viation of symptoms. Staying in charge Active ageing centres form an important part of Malta's ho- listic approach to elderly care, offering a range of activities to non-residential attendees across the country. Set up to, in their own words, help "people stay in charge of their own lives for as long as possible", Active Ageing Cen- tres provide physical activi- ties such as dancing, Infor- mation Technology (IT) and first aid training, crafts, talks and games, as well as activities featuring inclusion with other members of the wider commu- nity such as students and other volunteers. Importantly, certain Active Ageing Centres are able to offer transportation to those wishing to attend, something which can prove vital to those situated in remote locations and without a means of transport. Some centres are even able to provide residential care, as well as medical tests and a range of therapies both in-centre or at attendees' homes. With dignity and respect With so many different op- tions now available to us, a lack of social engagement in later life is increasingly becoming a thing of the past, with many people of Malta's older gener- ation able to continue living a rich and satisfying life. For those requiring enhanced residential care, a range of op- tions at both a state level and in the private sector can provide appropriate medical support and peace of mind whilst main- taining the dignity and respect we all deserve. Exploring the benefits of care homes and active ageing centres