Homes for the elderly urgently needed in Gozo

Gozo Age Concern yesterday called on the government to fill the void and provide homes for the elderly in Gozo.

The NGO said such homes would serve as respite and daycare centres that would meet the emotional and caring needs of the elderly and their families.

Association president Fr Mario Cassar said that although there were 15 such homes in Malta, including seven run by the government, there were none in Gozo.

Although the Sant'Anna Ward at the Gozo General Hospital was being used as a long-term care unit for the elderly, it did not offer the help and support found at a home proper.

"We must urgently address the needs of the elderly in Gozo and ensure that, while retaining their dignity, they receive the standards of care and the quality of life to which they are entitled," Fr Cassar said.

The Ministry for Gozo said there are two state-run residences, the Male Geriatric Ward and Residenza Sant'Anna, both situated within the Gozo General Hospital complex, catering for Gozitan male and female elderly persons respectively. Three other homes are run by religious communities offering residential services to elderly persons.