With dementia on the rise, homes for the elderly need to be equipped to cater for the specific needs of such patients.

This will be one of the priorities of a new management board set up at St Vincent de Paul Residence, according to Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly Franco Mercieca.

Research has shown there are more than 4,500 people with dementia in Malta. This figure will rise progressively over the next 10 years to 6,000.

The management will be chaired by retired Judge Philip Sciberras, Marcon Ali, Josianne Cutajar, Gunther Abela, Marvin Formosa, Gaetano Mercieca and Chris Grech.

Speaking during a press conference at the Luqa residence, Mr Mercieca said St Vincent de Paul was not just a home for the elderly, it was essentially a hospital.

Social Solidarity Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said apart that, from offering care to more than 1,000 residents, the home also offered the services of doctors, transport, entertainment and catering.

In fact, she said, a bed at St Vincent de Paul costs €85 a day compared to €45 in an average home for the elderly.

This meant it had very specific needs that could no longer be managed alone by superintendent Ronald Fiorentino.

For this reason, a management board was being set up to ensure the many facets of the residence worked efficiently and in a sustainable manner.

The board will also ensure that the elderly patients who live at the home are listened to and involved in the drawing up of policies. It will ensure they are getting value for money in terms of care and quality of life.