The Żejtun night shelter experience has been followed up with the opening of another in Mellieħa. The idea is to enable elderly people to sleep in common quarters which would give them added security – they will not be alone at night and, if something happens to them, they will find help immediately.

This service is another one added to the list of many others that are being provided by the government to be of assistance to people who are more vulnerable than others.

Apart from the night shelter, Home Help, Community Nursing, Meals on Wheels, Telecare, Telephone Rebate, Incontinence Service, Handyman Service, Kartanzjan and day centres are all ways through which senior citizens are being helped to live in comfort.

Added to this, one must also mention the fact that there are nearly 2,000 elderly people who live in government homes, including the St Vincent de Paul residence, which has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment to improve the facilities and services offered.

With life expectancy rising because of fewer diseases, better medical treatment and an improved lifestyle, there will be a growing need for such services, and plans should already be in hand to further expand what is offered. The private sector, which is also involved in the running of elderly people’s homes, plays a big role in this particular sector too.

Over the years, there have been great efforts, first of all, to encourage elderly people to continue living in their own homes and in their own community. The support of their relatives is extremely important to allow them to live independently as much as possible. The assistance that is provided through the services mentioned above enables many elderly residents to stay home.

But, when their condition deteriorates to the extent that they need constant attention, or else would require further assistance, the homes and night shelters are there to give that extra helping hand.

While the Żejtun night shelter was opened with the collaboration of the Nazarene Sisters, the one in Mellieħa was a result of cooperation with the local council. More local councils should take the cue from the one in Mellieħa.

One matter we would like to point out is that the the police should be provided with a list of the people who are sleeping in the night shelters, so that they will be able to keep a better eye on their property and possessions while the elderly are away.