The shortage of homes for Gozitan elderly was a serious matter that was expected to get worse with about 500 needing a residence by 2015, according to the Gozo Age Concern non-governmental organisation.
By then, Gozo was expected to have 7,000 persons over the age of 65, a statistic that needed to be responded to fast, the NGO said.
With the aim of recognising the problem, it was about to launch a membership campaign, distributing about 3,000 leaflets and inviting the public to join for €5.
Hopefully, the initiative would prompt the government to take the matter seriously, said NGO spokesman John Edwards. The funds were destined to organise outings.
"Things are changing and whereas before most elderly people would stay at home with their families, these were not holding together as much as they did traditionally. People no longer live in the same home from birth to death," Mr Edwards said.
He said there was a demand for residences, although no research has been carried out on how many off the elderly were waiting for support.
"What is for sure is that the Gozo General Hospital wards are not suitable for the elderly, especially if they are still mobile. They cannot be around bedridden patients when they are still semi-independent. They are just old, not ill; they are still capable."
If something was not done now, the hospital would not be able to cope, Mr Edwards maintained, stressing the situation was "unfair".
Malta had 15 homes, between the government, the Church and the private sector, while Gozo only had three, run by religious communities, caring for just 30 residents and only available to females.
Mr Edwards was not criticising the level of care at the hospital but just pointing out that it was inappropriate for the elderly.
While a support system was in place in Gozo, it could be improved and expanded, he continued, stressing on the need for one-to-one care and higher quality.
"We do not expect the government to fork out millions of euros to build homes in Gozo, but we would like it to accept that there is a problem and start working on it rather than sweep it under the carpet.
"We need a serious conversation on the future," he said.
Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea said he was planning a meeting with Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, under whose umbrella the issue fell, in the coming weeks.
Formed a year ago, the NGO's primary aim was to bring to the government's attention the need for homes in Gozo and to offer the elderly more support. Since then, it has been taking shape and the launch of the leaflet was its first step. It can be obtained by sending an e-mail to john@gozoageconcern.org.