A new Freephone number, 1578, has been launched to give elderly people, their families and members of the public a more direct way to contact the Authority for Standards in Social Welfare Services (OPSA) about services provided in residential homes for the elderly.
The service will allow callers to ask questions, raise concerns or lodge complaints with OPSA, the regulatory authority responsible for raising standards in services for older people and safeguarding their dignity, safety and well-being.
Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Deo Debattista launched the service together with OPSA Chief Executive George Fenech.
Debattista said the initiative would make it easier for elderly people and their families to access the Authority and have their concerns heard.
"When an elderly person or a family member has a concern, it is important for them to know where to turn and to find someone who will listen. The Freephone 1578 makes this contact easier and more direct. Above all, we continue to convey the message that the voices of our elderly matter and must be heard," Debattista said.
Fenech said the launch represented another step towards bringing OPSA closer to the people it serves.
He said the new communication channel would allow the Authority to receive and address questions, concerns and complaints more directly and efficiently.
OPSA is responsible for regulating social welfare services and working to improve the quality and standards of services for elderly people, while safeguarding their rights and well-being.
Debattista also thanked OPSA staff for their work in raising standards in services for older people, stressing that service quality went beyond regulation and should be based on respect, dignity and the well-being of each individual.
The launch of 1578 forms part of OPSA's efforts to strengthen communication with older people and their families and provide a more accessible channel through which concerns about residential care services can be raised.
The Freephone number will be available during office hours.