The Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC) is expanding their Residential Respite Care service by offering more flexibility, where eligible individuals will be able to choose any licensed care home approved by the Older Persons Standards Authority (OPSA) based on their own preferences, such as location, available services, or personal reasons.
Residential respite care, temporary accommodation and support for elderly people who require ongoing supervision or regular care, has seen a sharp increase in demand in Malta, with 242 individuals making use of the service in 2024, marking a rise of over 40% compared to the five-year average, a government statement said.
Now, the AACC is expanding this service by offering more flexibility, where eligible individuals will be able to choose any licensed care home of their preference.
Clients can arrange directly with the care home and receive a refund of up to €72 per night, for a maximum of 63 nights per year.
Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that this is part of a broader strategy to improve services surrounding older persons and their families.
"Thanks to this expanded respite service, elderly people and their families can now choose the care facility that suits them best, with government support," he said, noting that it aligns with the government's vision to enhance the quality of life for Malta's elderly.
Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea added that the initiative empowers families and gives carers more peace of mind and autonomy.
"This is not just about service expansion, it is about giving families more choice and control," he said.
AACC CEO Dr Renzo De Gabriele called the initiative a vital step in meeting the individual needs of clients.
"By offering more personalised options and continuing to invest in our services, we are ensuring that elderly care remains relevant, flexible and effective," De Gabriele said.
The move follows a significant increase in demand for respite care, as well as requests from family members for more customised and location-sensitive options, the statement said.