Malta, like most other countries is an aging nation. By 2015, there will be 103,000 persons over the age of 60. This number, which reflects a quarter of the total population, brings about a number of challenges which cannot be taken lightly. In fact, the current administration realises the importance which calls for special attention that has to be given to this section of society. Actually it has been doing so for decades.
When the Nationalists were returned to power way back in 1987, the Prime Minister at the time, Eddie Fenech Adami, brought the need to the fore and nominated Prof Rizzo Naudi as Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly. It was a novelty addition to the usual list of Ministers. From the onset it was clear that Government was serious in its commitment towards the elderly segment of our population. This mission has been diligently carried out throughout the years by others who followed in the role, namely Antoine Mifsud Bonnici, Helen Damato and presently by my colleague Mario Galea.
A better quality of life
for the elderly
The government has registered a number of achievements during these last few years. It is an on-going programme, with new ideas being introduced continually. Today there are almost 3,000 people who are directly or indirectly involved in the running of the several departments that are directly or indirectly connected with the needs of our elderly.
All the initiatives that have been introduced by the current administration in favour of our senior citizens are primarily aimed at giving them all possible services to help them live more comfortably, with respect and dignity. The sterling contribution that our pensioners gave to the state during their earlier years more than justifies this pay back society is more than indebted to them. The measures that are practised address the actual needs of the individual and where possible are carried out in their own home.
We believe that our elderly generation deserves nothing but the very best.
Living longer and healthier
One of the reasons why our senior citizens are living longer could be the constant attention and efficient services that are continually being provided, and improved where improvement is needed. Health care plays a vital part in the projects planned for them.
Day centres, night shelters, respite services, Telecare, handymen assistance, meals-on-wheels, occupational therapy and the Home Help and Social Work Units are among the services that are offered by the Department of the Elderly and Community Services. The 20 day centres offer a number of cultural and social activities and also a well-planned and highly popular programme of physical training, and various members of the inter-disciplinary team carried out almost half-a-million visits last year for those who needed general care.
As the aging population continues to grow, more residential homes are needed and to ease the obvious problem a private public partnership scheme has resulted in about 385 additional beds. Thus according to last year’s figures there are 3,732 beds that are now available in government, church and private homes. Perhaps the best known of these is St Vincent de Paul Residence, which accommodates more than 1,100 residents and has an equal number of employees. The constant activity within the residence is amazing and clear examples can be given to show what is involved in running such a place. The kitchen prepares 2,500 meals a day, while the pharmacy’s supplies of medicines and pharmaceutical goods cost more than €1 million annually. Rehabilitation is carried out at Karin Grech Hospital, which has been refurbished and new wards have been opened. Last year it catered for 1,500 patients apart from the 2,263 people who made use of the Medical Outpatient Unit and the 4,879 who made use of the services of the Orthotics and Prosthetics units.
Other different units and departments such as the Infection Control Unit and the Physiotherapy and Department are constantly busy with thousands of clinical interventions. To continue with the improvements in the various services, a number of courses are organised regularly for the staff.
Government increased to 860 the number of beds for those requiring long-term care, while medication is available from any of the 156 pharmacies-of-your-choice free of charge. Most of the 76,000 people who are entitled to free medication are over 60.
Senior citizens who want to remain active can continue working while their pensions remain untouched and there are over 10,000 such people who have decided not to be idle. An impressive number of senior citizens attend the Life-long Learning evening courses that are run by the Education Department.
Those who are over 80 years old and live either in their home or with relatives are given an annual payment of €300 annually, which will cost the Treasury €3.5 million as there are 12,000 people who are benefiting from this allowance, which was introduced in this year’s budget.
The list of benefits that are available and enjoyed by our senior citizens is endless and shows the government’s determination to ensure that our elderly receive all the support they deserve.