Parliamentary Secretary for rights of persons with disability and active aging Justyne Caruana revealed that through the live-in carers pilot project the government will be subsidising half the minimum wages of carers.

Increased financial assistance through the upcoming year’s budget will provide wage subsidies of live-in carers for the elderly are registered on the waiting list for homes for the elderly, she said.

The pilot project is set to last a year, with applications becoming available from January 1. For the application process, one would have to provide proof that the individual is indeed employing a carer and will also have to provide a copy of the work contract so as to ensure a lack of abuse said Dr Caruana. Once the application is approved, finance will be provided for half the live-in carer’s minimum wage.

The government is seeking to come up with a formula for supporting the elderly in remaining at home and helping them to remain integrated within the community, she said.

In addition to this, Dr Caruana said that €6 million has been provided for the purchasing of beds from the private sector, adding that 270 beds have been added to homes for the elderly to date.

She said there has been a better managing of resources, citing a reduction of 30% on the waiting list for residential services.