Casa Arkati, the first private home for the elderly which at present is residence to 120 elderly persons, will soon be able to take up to 180 residents following an extension project which will be commencing in the coming days. This was announced by Caremalta Chairman Nazzareno Vassallo during an event commemorating the home’s 20th anniversary.
In June 1993, Casa Arkati, the first purposely-built private home for the elderly, welcomed its first three residents with a starting work-force of six employees.
Casa Arkati is today the place of work of 110 employees.
The luscious gardens of the home with blooming flowers and live musicprovided by George Curmi (Il-Puse’) and his band, proved the perfect ambience to celebrate the anniversary event were all the members of staff, residents and their family members were present. Also present for the event was Hon Marie Louise Coleiro, Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity as well as a number of other distinguished guests.
Addressing an audience of over 400 guests, Caremalta Chairman Nazzareno Vassallo gave an overview of the home’s evolutionary process and how in a span of 20 years CareMalta Ltd has consolidated its position as the leading private care provider for older persons in Malta operating eight facilities – Villa Messina, Roseville, Zejtun Home, Bormla Home, Dar ill-Madonna tal-Mellieha, Zammit Clapp Hospital Residential Home and Prince of Wales.
Care Malta’s CEO, Mrs Natalie BriffaFarrugia provided some very interesting statistics related to residents who stayed at Casa Arkati over the years. 67% of these residents were female at an average age of 75 for males and 82 for females. 66% of residents hailed from the central part of the Island, mostly fromSliema and St Julian’s, 29% from the northern part, and 5% from the south.
Minister for Family Affairs u Social Solidarity, Marie Louise ColeiroPreca stressed that her government is actively working to develop the concept of active ageing in Malta. She explained that elderly persons deserve to live an active life since old age should not merely be considered as the last part of one’s life but as part of a process in the person’s development. Minister ColeiroPreca praised the service Casa Arkati has been providing for the past 20 years and reiterated her government’s intention to work hand-in-hand with the private sector in the provision of a quality service to the elderly.
During the celebration three employees from the home, Carmen Debono, Euphemia Muscat and Dorothy Iguanez were honoured for being the longest-serving employees with 20 years, since the opening of the home.
To conclude such a memorable celebration, a special edition of the company’s annual publication ‘Carenet’ was presented to the Group’s Chairman. This publication features Casa Arkati’s history with interesting interviews, taking one on a journey of a lifetime.