New regulatory standards aimed at raising the quality of care provided to the elderly in residential homes will be published for public consultation next year, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced during a visit to a private residential home for the elderly.

Accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, Abela visited residents at a private elderly care home, a government statement said.

The facility is one of several private residences where the government purchases beds to accommodate older persons.

The statement said that within the private sector, government has agreements for the purchase of beds and public-private partnerships which together provide nearly 4,000 beds to accommodate more older persons receiving care and protection in residential homes across the country.

During the visit to Porziuncola Home, Abela and Agius Galea met residents, exchanged festive greetings, and presented gifts to assist them with their daily needs.

Abela also acknowledged the important services provided to older persons by care workers and professionals.

He said that the government is committed to ensuring that every older person living in a residential home, whether public or private, receives the highest possible standard of care.

For this reason, Abela said that new regulatory standards will be launched for public consultation next year, with the aim of further strengthening the quality of services offered to older persons.

The Prime Minister also noted that the budget allocation approved by Parliament last week includes an investment of €83 million for residential care in private elderly homes.

He said this investment reflects the importance the government places on collaboration with private operators to deliver high-quality, sustainable services that meet national care standards.

This investment is in addition to existing public-private partnerships with residential care operators, the statement said.

During the visit, Abela and Agius Galea also spoke with residents’ relatives, who were visiting them at the time.

They shared various experiences, including memories from past Christmas periods.

Residents at Porziuncola Home live in a modern residential facility managed by Golden Care, which forms part of a network of facilities offering professional, safe care focused on the dignity of the individual, the statement said.

The residence is equipped with modern facilities and spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of older persons, including those requiring continuous care or specialised support.

The home is operated by a dedicated multidisciplinary team providing round-the-clock care, it said.