Construction work on St Joseph Home for the Elderly in Għajn-sielem is in an advanced stage. The old building within St Joseph Home, which until recently has been used as a youth hostel, is being renovated, while another with no historical architectural value was demolished to make room for the new development. All rooms will have en suite facilities. Room balconies will have wonderful views of Fort Chambray, Xatt l-Ahmar, the Gozo channel and countryside views.

The home will have three storeys with an underlying basement parking facility. Other facilities will include a clinic, restaurant, chapel, office, hairdresser salon, library and administrative offices.

The home is specially designed both for people who are mobile and for those who have mobility problems, including wheelchair users. The outdoor areas will be landscaped and will be accessible for residents.

The €4 million project will offer a home where the elderly, in-cluding married couples, can live together in harmony and in a safe place.

During a visit to the site, Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana explained how the Ministry had updated the plans and obtained the necessary permits to change the original plans to now include an additional block dedicated for cases of dementia.

Dr Caruana said amendments were made so that the home was constructed according to recent standards, introduced new facilities and ensured that it was fully dementia friendly, including a provision of beds for a basic residential service as well as respite care. “We are currently finalising the tender for the finishings and household operation,” she said

Work on St Joseph Home started in 2016 after the Gozo Ministry and the Gozo Diocese reached an agreement whereby the Gozo Church will be renting the home to the government for the use as a home for the elderly.