There are 143 more elderly people living in state homes compared to five years ago, according to the Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care, Mario Galea.

A total of 753 elderly people reside in the eight homes and 343 in private residences, with the government footing the bill as residents contribute part of their pension.

These figures exclude those at St Vincent de Paul nursing home, which has a population of 1,121, or 100 more than five years ago, Mr Galea said.

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