Minimum standards in old people’s homes are not yet being enforced by an independent agency as proposed by the government last year, as the necessary law has not yet been enacted.

Contacted by The Sunday Times of Malta, a spokesman for the Parliamentary Secretariat for the Elderly said that national minimum standards for care homes were published on September 30, 2015, following “many years of neglect”.

The government promised that an autonomous agency would be tasked with enforcing these minimum standards.

Elderly homes, both government and State-run, would risk losing their licence if the 39 minimum standards were not met.

But inspections can only begin after the law to establish the enforcement agency is enacted.

The parliamentary secretariat’s spokesman said this was the start of a process in which there had already been an upgrade in the standards of elderly homes while ensuring better quality in the development of services in new residences.

“As stated clearly back then, this process was formulated in a way to give adequate time for care homes to conform to such national minimum standards.

Elderly homes, both government and State-run, would risk losing their licence if the 39 minimum standards were not met

“The next step would now be setting up an autonomous and enforcing entity, the bill for which has been drafted and will be presented to Cabinet shortly,” the spokesman said.

The standards are split across seven core areas: basic home obligations (the provision of information and contracts), health and personal care, daily life and social activities, complaints and protection, living environment, and requirements for the management and administration of homes.

New homes will need to adhere to the new standards immediately, whereas existing centres would be given a window of up to 10 years to come in line, Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly Justyne Caruana said last year.

Those that do not come in line with the standards could face an administrative fine, a suspension of their licence or not have their licence renewed.

One of the most contentious standards will be faced in achieving minimum living space for elderly residents.

Each elderly resident must be given 12 square metres for their individual room, while those in shared rooms should have a minimum of eight square metres per resident.

Dr Caruana said there were some homes currently operating which did not adhere to this minimum requirement.