Gozo's first night shelter service for the elderly launched

Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Justyne Caruana has announced the launch of the first night shelter service in Gozo. The service has been described as part of the programme of works to strengthen services for the elderly in Gozo.

During her visit at Dar Padova in Għajnsielem, Caruana said that works on the adaptation of this venue have now been concluded.

Caruana said that a maximum of 12 persons would benefit from the service.

“This service has been made available through an agreement between government and the church following an invitation issued by the parliamentary secretariat for collaboration between entities,” she explained, adding that the service would be given by professional carers.

“These carers will assist those elderly persons, who wish to benefit from this service even during the night,” she said.

Caruana praised the work carried out in the night shelter, which was completed successfully, by persons employed with the Department for the elderly and community care.

She reiterated that this venue provides facilities that can be used by the elderly, such as a dedicated library, a kitchen and living area, and a spacious internal courtyard and garden. 

“The night shelter service is one of a series of services that the Secretariat is introducing in the Gozo Region. Other services include day centre services, respite services, the strengthening of Commcare, and long term Care in Gozo,” Caruana added.

Caruana added that the Secretariat lead by her, was responsible for the elderly on a national basis and thus it was crucial that every service was given on both islands.

“Following the introduction of such services in Gozo, elderly services were now officially offered on a national basis,” Caruana said.

Caruana added that applications for the Night Shelter services may be obtained from Ċentru Servizz Anzjan in Valletta or by downloading them from the official website, www.activeageing.gov.mt.