A set of 20 standards for residential homes catering for disabled people was rolled out in a consultation document yesterday in a bid to harmonise and define the quality of services provided.

The national standards will act as a quality benchmark for residential institutes offering long-term care. They are directed at potential residents and their families, guiding them on what questions to ask and what information they should be given.

Minimum standards for residential homes directors have also been set.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability, Justyne Caruana, said Malta had ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2012. The next step was its implementation.

The convention obliges the government to provide models offering tailor-made services for disabled people.

Enforcement mechanisms would also feature heavily, Dr Caruana said. Emphasis would be laid on independent living and adequate staff training.

The national standards document targets a wide spectrum of rights and services to which disabled residents are entitled.

It places heavy emphasis on their opinions, personal preferences and choices. Guardians are urged to consult with the individual before making decisions.

Prior to moving into a residence, the client has the right to get information and visit the place beforehand, meet the management, staff and even some of the residents.

The client should have a tailored personal plan catering to his/her specific needs. The plan will be revised yearly and a key worker should be assigned and tasked with the responsibility of carrying it out and keeping in regular contact with all those involved in the client’s support.

The resident should be assisted in managing allowances and other finances and be free to contribute directly to the daily activities of the residence.

The staff must be committed to avoid situations that may prompt challenging behaviour.

If restraint is required, trained staff will execute it according to the guidelines providing for least restraint use.

The document also defines the rights the resident is entitled to, including legal rights, the way medication is administered and handled, complaints, security and issues relating to privacy.

Food must be varied and nutritious while sexuality is to be viewed as a natural and integral part of life.

Clients are to be provided with sexual education, sexual health information and counselling.

The document underscored the emancipation of disabled people, Dr Caruana said at Ħal Far yesterday, indicating delicate pottery, crochet, ganutell and other crafts displayed by disabled residents of a number of day centres and the elderly of St Vincent de Paule.

“We want to help bring out their hidden talents as evidenced in the beautiful exhibition set up.”

The consultation document is available to be read at www.active-ageing.gov.mt. People can make recommendations and suggestions by e-mailing disabilityresidences.mfss@gov.mt by June 5.

PN on disabilities

The Nationalist Party will today be tabling a Private Member’s Bill to eradicate discrimination due to disability.

The constitutional amendment, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said, would introduce immediate protection against such discrimination within the law.

The amendment will lead to a number of positive changes for disabled people, including the recognition of sign language for deaf people, the introduction of a “trusted friend” in the electoral law and equal access to opportunities.

It will aim to lower the barriers to social inclusion and increase the representation of and consultation with disabled people in the drafting of policies.

It will also boost inclusion through independent living and improve training and education for the disabled.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.