The government has introduced a National Minimum Standard for homes for the elderly and is planning to set up an evaluation board which will see if homes for the elderly are being kept with the limits stipulated by these standards.

The standards were launched back in September 2015 by the Parliamentary Secretary for the elderly and persons with disability.

Replying to a parliamentary question by government MP Anthony Agius Decelis, Minister for Social Solidarity said that these standards came about after a period of consultation with interested parties. He explained that these changes will be introduced gradually.

The standards would also allow old people's homes in residential areas to add extra floors. 

Nationalist MP Paula Mifsud Bonnici asked if Saint Vincent de Paul will be under the scrutiny of these standards.

The Minister did not clearly confirm this, but said that the government will make sure to upgrade the condition of Saint Vincent de Paul to keep up with these standards.

He said that the government is committed to work on every ward in the home for the elderly. "We know the situation at St Vincent de Paul, but we will be embellishing the place gradually."

The work in St Vincent de Paul will include the rebuilding of the kitchen.