A new autonomous entity will enforce minimum standards in homes for the elderly.

Parliamentary Secretary for Care of the Elderly, Justyne Caruana, said 39 minimum standards were being set for public and private homes for the elderly, ranging from standards in care provision, medication, qualifications of carers and management, and minimum facilities in the homes.

The standards will form part of comprehensive legislation which will provide for the setting up of the new enforcement entity.

This will licence the homes, monitor standards and impose fines or even withdraw licences if failures are found.

New homes will be expected to adhere to the new conditions immediately. Establishments which are already operating will be given up to 10 years to comply where major infrastructural changes are needed.

Inspections will begin once the law is passed.

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