The government has allocated €3.5 million to the Carer at Home scheme.

Active Ageing Minister Michael Farrugia said that through the funds, elderly persons will be granted financial aid to employ qualified carers of their choice to help them in their homes. They also would not lose out on the right to benefit from additional services offered by the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care.

Through the allocation, the benefit under this scheme will rise from €6,000 to €7,000 a year.

Minister Farrugia said that thanks to this scheme, elderly people can continue to live in the comfort of their own homes.

Applicants will need to submit an application form that will be evaluated by the CommCare team within the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care. The applicant would need to find and employ a carer with qualifications who has all the qualification documentation required, a notarial employment agreement and official documents from Jobsplus or ID Malta (this last case applies for third country nationals), which indicate that the carer is registered as an employee with the applicant. After the documentation is submitted, the Department will enter into a services agreement and the benefit will start being paid directly into the bank account of the beneficiary.

The maximum benefit will be paid to those who employ a carer on a full-time basis and payment will be per month. Those who choose a part-time agreement will be paid pro-rata according to the hours involved.

Today there are 573 elderly people benefitting from this scheme, Farrugia said and the Department is receiving around 50 applications per month.

Those interested are invited to call the Elderly Services Centre on 2278 8800. More information can be obtained on www.activeageing.gov.mt,