[WATCH] Fines for inadequate elderly care homes could reach €3,500 a day

New authority to be in charge of assessment and enforcement of new Standard for elderly care homes

Active Ageing parliamentary secretary Justyne Caruana has launched a public consultation into the legal framework for the implementation of the Standards for elderly care homes legislation launched last year.

Caruana said that the Standards sought to secure the quality of service given to the elderly, with a person centred approach, focusing on the values of privacy, dignity, mental and physical welfare, autonomy, empowerment, equality and the right to resort to legal action for various reasons. 

“We are now launching a consultation into the legal implementation of these standards,” she said stressing that the government wanted to create an independent authority to monitor, investigate and take action in the varied homes across the country as part of the implementation of the Standards.

She explained that the authority would be composed of people focusing on the sector in question including people representing service users. 

“It will also be responsible for the licencing of elderly care homes,” she said explaining that the authority would commission a report into applications to ensure that all new homes adhere to the standards. 

“Older homes will be assessed to decidee whether to reissue the licenses or request further work,” she added.

She explained that the authority will also have the power to inspect the various homes around the island both private and public entities. 

She added that fines for inadequate services would range from €500 a day to €3,500 a day according to the severity of the case. 

“The authority would also be working in the care workers act to ensure the right qualifications and qualities in the sector and ensure the best human resources possible,” she said.

Those wishing to contribute were invited to contact [email protected] 

She went on to express her hope that the consultation would be swift enough to present a draft legislation by the beginning of next year. She hoped the consultation would end by September, but insisted that the secretariat would not create a cut off date to ensure effective discussion and consultation.

Gerontologist Dr. Marvin Formosa said that the consultation was part of the process to improve the conditions of elderly care in Malta with around 40% of the elderly currently at care homes. 

He said that over the years it became apparent that it wasn't enough just to offer a service but that it is important to have more accountability for adequate care and dignity to the elderly in question. 

He explained that the Standards were an important step in ensuring that the rights of the elderly are respected and that they continue to live a decent lifestyle.