The Diocesan Office for Church Homes for the Elderly refers to the news item regarding fees for residents in Church Homes for the Elderly falling under the responsibility of the Archdiocese of Malta (TMIS, 1 January).

This Office would like to explain that the number of Church Homes for the Elderly concerned are six, namely: Dar Sant'Anna, Senglea (32 residents); Domus Mariae, Marsaxlokk (eight occupants); Casa Leone XIII, St Julian’s (75 residents); Dar Saura, Rabat (70 people); Dar San Guzepp, Zebbug (12 people); Holy Family, Naxxar (66 residents).

These six Church Homes, which offer full nursing care to their residents, have been running at a loss for a number of years. In the space of five years, that is from 2000 to 2004, their global loss was Lm989,340.

Although an increase of Lm1.50 a day in fees has been requested, those who cannot afford to pay it can apply for a subsidised fee, subject to a means test.

It is estimated that even if all the residents had to pay the full fees as adjusted with the Lm1.50 increase per day, the six Church Homes for the Elderly taken all together, would still continue to run at a loss and therefore need to be subsidised by the Archdiocese.

Charles Buttigieg

PRO,

Archbishop's Curia