Despite concern over the supply of independent residential homes for disabled people given the big demand for such accommodation, the Family Ministry said there were only 52 people on the waiting list.

When the government announced there were 119 disabled people in supported living residences, frustrated parents told The Times there were about 3,000 long-term disabled people whose parents could pass away in the coming years.

However, a ministry spokesman said there were 52 disabled people waiting for a place in one of the community-based residential homes and the government was committed to catering for this demand.

He said the government was in some way involved with 31 homes that provided community residential services to 161 people with intellectual or physical disabilities or mental health problems.

These include six government-managed 24/7 community-based residential homes and a number of agreements with the private sector. The Housing Authority supports Richmond Foundation and Mount Carmel Hospital with the provision of 16 community-based homes.

Another five homes, managed by the government or through public-private partnerships, were expected to open their doors in the coming months and Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi would be opening a new residential home in Qawra, the spokesman said.

The government also entered into a public-private partnership with Care Malta and Mellieħa local council for the management of Dar Madonna tal-Mellieħa, which caters for elderly and disabled people.