SERVICES CARE, SUPPORT AND WELLBEING FOR OLDER PERSONS
independence and comfort while receiving the necessary care to stay healthy and safe in their own homes. Active Ageing Centres provide another vital service. These centres offer a wide range of activities and programmes tailored to the interests and abilities of elderly participants. From physical exercise classes and arts and crafts to social events and educational workshops, day care centres are vibrant hubs of activity. They play a crucial role in preventing loneliness and isolation, promoting mental and physical well-being through social interaction and engagement.
The Ministry for Gozo is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of life for the elderly on the Island. Understanding the diverse needs of our senior citizens, the Ministry offers a comprehensive range of services designed to promote health, well-being, and active ageing, while ensuring individuals maintain their independence and dignity. Central to the Ministry’s offerings are residential care services. These services are provided in several wellequipped facilities that prioritise comfort and safety. Each facility is staffed by highly trained professionals who deliver round-the-clock care, including medical assistance and personal care amongst other services. The aim is to create a nurturing environment where elderly residents can enjoy a high quality of life. The Ministry ensures these homes are welcoming and homely, fostering a sense of belonging and community among residents. For those who prefer to remain in their own homes, the Ministry, through its Community, Inclusion and Services Directorate, offers extensive home care services. These services include assistance with daily activities such as housekeeping. Additionally, we offer professional assistance including services by physiotherapists and social workers. These services allow elderly individuals to maintain their
The Ministry also offers educational courses for the elderly, technological assistance in case of emergencies (Telecare+), technological assistance designed for persons suffering from dementia (Telecare On the Move), handyman services, gardener service, hairdressing service and more. All this shows our commitment and dedication in providing a wide range of compassionate and comprehensive services for the elderly; centred towards keeping, as much as possible, our loved ones in the heart of our communities, there where they grew up and lived. However, when an elderly can no longer live independently, we strive to provide the necessary facilities in the form of day centres, night shelters and residencies for the elderly. Indeed, our elderly deserve the best care. This booklet provides a detailed overview of the services offered by the Ministry for Gozo. Clint Camilleri Minister for Gozo
Services offered by the Ministry for Gozo Through the section for The Elderly and Persons with Special Needs, within the Community, Inclusion and Services Directorate, the Ministry for Gozo offers help within the community to all elderly as well as those with special needs. Below is a list of services the Ministry offers, to help the elderly and persons with special needs to lead a healthy, active, and independent life. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Telecare+ Telecare on the Move Social Work Handyman Service Gardening Service Incontinence Assistance Meals on Wheels Hairdressing Physiotherapy Oxygen Cylinder Collection and Delivery Home Help Service Telephone Rent Rebate University of the Third Age Day Care Centre in Għajnsielem Active Ageing Centres Towards Active and Healthy Ageing Home for the Elderly – Dar San Ġużepp (Għajnsielem) Home for the Elderly –Villa San Lawrenz (San Lawrenz) Night Shelter – Ġesù Nazzarenu (Xagħra) Day Centre and Night Shelter – Casa Amalia (Victoria) Home for the Elderly - Casa Giuseppe (Victoria)
How to contact us? Our offices are open from Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. Contact us or visit our offices, where one of our representatives will assist you and provide you with an application form for the services offered by the Ministry for Gozo. The application can also be found online on: • •
myGozo app servizz.gov (Search: Elderly Services Gozo)
Contact Details Elderly and Persons with Special Needs Section Community, Inclusion and Services Directorate Saint Francis Square Victoria Gozo Tel: 2215 6620/ 2215 6621 Email: services.mfg@gov.mt or elderly.mfg@gov.mt
Telecare+ We offer the Telecare Service together with Connected Care. Telecare works by using a telephone or a special device connected to a normal telephone line. If you need assistance, you can call for help by simply pressing a button located on the device or on the pendant that is provided together with it. Installation fee is €25. Persons who possess a valid Pink Card, are Diabetic or over 80 years of age do not pay the monthly rental fee.
Telecare on the Move This service is designed to support individuals with dementia aged 60 and older in living independently and maintaining a high quality of life within their communities. This service is based on technology specifically designed for persons living with dementia, and includes the provision of a dedicated device to help ensure their safety, wellbeing, and peace of mind for both users and their caregivers.
Social Work Service for the Elderly The principal aim of this Service is to act as a point of reference for individuals over the age of 60, who may experience diverse challenges in their lives. These struggles can stem from a gradual or sudden onset of health-related issues including dementia, disability, lack of informal support, the loss of a loved one, loneliness, forms of abuse, poverty issues and more. Senior citizens are closely monitored by a geriatric social worker, mainly through home visits. The assistance provided includes emotional support and guidance, advocacy, liaison with relatives or nextof-kin and crisis intervention.
Gardening Service This service provides assistance to the elderly and people with special needs who live on their own and due to mobility issues, struggle to care for their home gardens. This service will allow them to continue to enjoy their outdoor space. This service is free of charge. Contact - 2215 6345
Incontinence Assistance We provide incontinence products for persons suffering from incontinence through two different schemes. Scheme A is intended for persons with special needs, while Scheme B is available for elderly persons.
Handyman Service This service is delivered by a handyman from our Section. The handyman can perform one or more of these small-scale services: • • • •
Minor woodworking Minor water system repairs Minor electrical repairs Minor home repair assistance to persons with mobility difficulties
Service is free of charge for persons who are in possession of a Pink Card. Any material needed is to be paid by the client. Contact - 2215 6327
Every month, holders of a Special Identity Card issued by the National Commission for Persons with Disability are granted a specified number of incontinence products free of charge. Persons benefiting from Scheme B receive subsidised incontinence products through support provided by the Ministry for Gozo. Contact: 2215 6626.
Meals on Wheels By applying for this service you will be entitled to a daily meal, delivered to your home. This service is offered in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo. A three-course meal is offered at the subsidised price of €2.33. Apply at our office or by calling on 2215 6345.
Hairdresser Service The hairdresser service is offered to persons who are aged 60 and over’. This service is free of charge; however, clients must supply their own hair care products. You can call us on 2215 6345. We will contact the hairdresser so that s/he can provide you with this service.
Physiotherapy Service Individuals who are bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or unable to leave their homes can receive complimentary physiotherapy services. To schedule an appointment, please call 2215 6345/0. A physiotherapist will conduct an initial assessment and provide the necessary care.
Oxygen Cylinder Collection and Delivery Service This service is designed to provide convenience and peace of mind to individuals who rely on oxygen cylinders at home. Beneficiaries can contact the office to request assistance, and our staff will collect the empty oxygen cylinder directly from their residence and deliver a full replacement cylinder. The service ensures a continuous oxygen supply while eliminating the need for individuals or their caregivers to arrange transportation themselves. Contact: 2215 6345
Home Help Service We offer this service to help you become more independent in your home and give you the domestic and personal help you need. The Social Assistant will help you with: •
washing of floors
•
dusting of furniture
•
and other services (such as chores, shopping, and collection of medicine)
As a beneficiary of this service, you will be entitled to two to five hours of home help a week. After performing an assessment, a nurse and a social worker will establish the number of hours that will be provided at the applicant’s residence. This service is offered to persons over the age of 65, persons with special needs, and/or persons suffering from terminal illness. To apply, one must visit our office, fill out a form and present a medical report filled in by your family doctor. Service fees: •
Є2.33 weekly for persons living alone
•
Є3.49 weekly for more than one person living in the same household
You can apply by calling 2215 6620.
Telephone Rent Rebate The Telephone Rent Rebate provides a monthly discounted rental charge on an applicant’s Residence Direct telephone line. This service is only intended for senior citizens having a GO plc telephone service who possess a valid Pink Form issued by the Department of Social Security. Applicants must not be part of any contracts involving home packs or any other offers. There is no discount on telephone calls made by an applicant.
University of the Third Age Persons who are over 60 years of age can attend these lectures. During the academic year, which starts in October and ends in June, four different topics are taught by four different lecturers. The chosen topics are of great interest for the persons attending. Lectures are held on Fridays at the Gozo Campus in Xewkija. An annual fee of €12 applies. Transport is free of charge and covers all localities in Gozo. You can apply by contacting our offices on 2215 6620/7 between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Daycare Centre in Għajnsielem The Daycare Centre provides an environment where you can stay active in the community and retain your independence.
Programme of Activities The services and activities offered at the Daycare Centre are there to help you nurture your interests and engage in new ones. We provide: •
Transport to and from the centre
•
Breakfast and lunch
•
Educational talks
•
Outdoor and indoor activities and recreational walks
A nurse is always present during the Centre’s opening hours. Elderly persons who wish to attend can contact the person in charge of the Day Centre on 2156 5891. You can also apply by calling us on 2215 6620/1. Registration is free of charge, however a €4 fee per attendance applies. This includes breakfast, lunch, and all activities.
Active Ageing Centres & Activities Active Ageing Centres provide a space and an environment where elderly persons can remain physically, mentally, and socially active. You can meet other people your age and participate in the organised activities. Each centre offers a varied programme of activities, including ganutell, lace making, painting, basic tablet and computer knowledge, and physical exercise.
Information on these Centres Ta’ Kerċem -
Ix-Xewkija Xewkija Band Club Triq Santa Katerina Ix-Xewkija
Opening Hours:
Kerċem Ajax Sports Complex Triq Wenzu Mintoff Ta’ Kerċem
Monday: Knitting | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Tuesday: Line Dancing | 9:00 am – 10:30 am Wednesday: Keep Fit | 9:00 am – 10:00 am Friday: Ganutell | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday : Be Active | 7:00 am - 8:00 am 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Ta’ Sannat Sannat Local Council Triq ta’ Sannat Ta’ Sannat
Opening Hours: Tuesday: Keep Fit | 9:00 am - 10:00 am Friday: Sewing | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Taċ-Ċawla Ċentru Ragħaj it-Tajjeb Parish Centre Triq Sir Paul Boffa Victoria
Opening Hours: Monday: Keep Fit | 7:45 am – 8:45 am Monday: Art and Sewing | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Tuesday: Knitting & Sewing | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Wednesday: Art | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Thursday: Lace making | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Friday: Crafts | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
New Sessions at GISAP – Gozo Indoor Sports & Aquatic Pavilion Triq l-Ewropa Victoria
Opening Hours: Il-Qala Qala Local Council Civil Centre Qala Triq l-Isqof Mikiel Buttigieg Il-Qala
Opening Hours: Monday: Line Dancing | 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Tuesday: Keep Fit | 10:00 am – 11:00 am Thursday: Line Dancing | 9:00 am – 10:30 am AquaGym 60+ Sessions: Tuesday: Wednesday: Friday:
Tuesday: Knitting | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Wednesday: Ganutell | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Thursday: Sewing | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Friday: Keep Fit | 9:00 am – 10:00 am
12:45 pm - 1:30 pm 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm 9:00 am - 9:45 am 9:45 am - 10:30 am 9:00 am - 9:45 am 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Who can apply for this service? Iż-Żebbuġ Żebbuġ Band Club Triq il-Knisja Iż-Żebbuġ
Opening Hours: Monday: Art | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Wednesday: Sewing | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Thursday: Keep Fit | 9:00 am – 10:00 am Thursday: Art | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Persons over 60 years of age can apply for this service. Applications can be submitted online through servizz.gov website or at the servizz.gov Hub, St Francis Square, Victoria, or through our office by calling on 2215 6644 or 2210 0265.
Interested? If you or a loved one are interested in joining the community at Dar San Ġużepp, we invite you to schedule a tour by calling 2317 4500 or contacting the Ministry for Gozo at 2215 6237 to learn more about our services.
Dar San Ġużepp (Għajnsielem)
Dar San Ġużepp is a facility which offers a homely environment to elderly citizens. The facility features social spaces and green outdoor areas, fostering an environment where residents can lead active and fulfilling lives within the heart of the community.
Spiritual Needs
Services Offered:
Activities
24 hours Nursing Care
Various activities are organised according to residents’ interests and capabilities. During outings and activities, residents are accompanied by the Active Ageing CoOrdinator and Care Assistants to ensure safety.
Experienced nurses are present 24 hours a day to attend to all medical needs including treatment, preparation, monitoring, and communication with doctors and allied health professionals.
Accommodation and Room Facilities Dar San Ġużepp encompasses 3 levels plus an underground carpark. The rooms, whether single or double, feature ensuite shower rooms, suitable for wheelchair users. They are fully airconditioned, and equipped with free TV connection service, WiFi, telephone, and nurse call system for each resident.
Meals Daily breakfast is served in the resident’s room while lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Residents can pre-order meals from a menu offering nutritious options tailored to the resident’s dietary requirements.
Dar San Ġużepp houses a magnificent modern Chapel, dedicated to Saint Joseph, where daily Rosary and Holy Mass are conducted, along with pastoral service.
Visiting Hours Visiting hours are from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Other services: •
Front office support
•
Security services
•
Hairdressing services
•
Allied Health Professionals and Specialised Nursing
•
Laundry for personal clothes and linen
Villa San Lawrenz Villa San Lawrenz is a residential facility that offers a nurturing environment for senior citizens, providing both short-term and long-term care as well as respite services.
Services Offered: •
• •
Each resident is accommodated in a personalised room and can maintain independent living, with round-the-clock assistance available Regular updates on the well-being of the residents are provided to their family members The staff is dedicated to preserving the dignity, autonomy, and esteem of all residents
Facility Features: • • • • • • • • • • •
Eligibility: • • • • • • •
Individuals aged 60 and above Seniors living independently or heavily reliant on others Seniors experiencing disorientation and dementia Seniors in need of long-term care Seniors unable to reside in their own homes Seniors requiring Palliative Care Seniors in need of respite care for varying durations, based on family needs
The care home delivers 24-hour nursing care Elevator access is available on all three floors Each bedroom is equipped with an en-suite shower/ toilet Bed linens and towels are provided and laundered by the care home All clothing items are to be labelled with the resident’s name for ease of identification Each bed in every room is fitted with a nurse call bell and a telephone for local landline calls Visiting hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 am, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm daily Meals are freshly prepared on-site, accommodating special dietary needs Regular activities and excursions are organised for the residents WiFi is accessible throughout the care home. A TV box for in-room use can be provided by the care home for a monthly fee. The television set is to be supplied by the resident/family
Additional Services: Residents have access to services such as: • • • • •
On-site geriatrician Physiotherapists utilising on-site gym facilities Occupational therapist Podiatrist Hairdresser
For specific concerns, residents, family members, or legally appointed representatives can reach out to: Home’s CEO at 2156 4645 or email: vsanlawrenz@ gmail.com. The Elderly & Special Needs Section, Community, Inclusion and Services Directorate St Francis Square, Victoria, Gozo on 2215 6620 or send an email on services.mfg@gov.mt.
Should you wish further information please call on 2210 0265 or 9944 7718 or send an e-mail on services.mfg@gov.mt.
Night Shelter Ġesù Nazzarenu Night Shelter Ġesù Nazzarenu in Xagħra, Gozo provides shelter and support for elderly individuals who live alone. These residents choose to spend the night at the center rather than sleeping alone, seeking the companionship and assistance it offers. The centre is managed and financed by the Ministry for Gozo, which offers everything that is needed for this centre to function and help its residents. The Night Shelter Ġesù Nazzarenu in Xagħra offers private, air-conditioned rooms for its residents. The centre provides 24-hour emergency assistance and other amenities for a comfortable stay. Elderly residents will arrive at the Centre at 6:30 pm. Carers will assist them to the centre via the lift. Refreshments (tea or coffee) will be provided upon request. After socialising and engaging in recreational activities like bingo, crafts and watching TV, residents will return to their rooms. Carers will provide morning assistance until 7:00 am, after which residents will return home for the day.
Casa Amalia Day Centre & Night Shelter
Located in the heart of Victoria, Gozo, Casa Amalia is a dedicated dementia care center offering both Day Care and Night Shelter services for individuals living with dementia. Our facility provides a safe, secure, and welcoming environment where clients receive compassionate, person-centered care tailored to their individual needs. Our team of specially trained carers, supported by qualified nurses, is committed to promoting dignity, comfort, and well-being while addressing each person’s individual physical, emotional, and medical needs. We strive to create a familiar and reassuring atmosphere that helps clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their stay. At Casa Amalia, we believe that meaningful engagement plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life. Clients are encouraged to participate in a variety of stimulating and enjoyable activities, including household tasks, gardening, arts and crafts, bingo, karaoke, movie nights, music sessions, and other therapeutic recreational activities designed to promote social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and independence. To make our services as accessible as possible, complimentary transport to and from the center is provided for all clients. For more information, please contact us on 2155 1000 or email info@icare.com.mt.
Casa Giuseppe Care and Retirement Home
“Situated in the heart of Victoria, Gozo, Casa Giuseppe is a care and retirement home dedicated to providing older adults with comfort, security, and companionship in a warm, welcoming environment. Our thoughtfully designed shared semi-private rooms offer residents the privacy of their own personal space while fostering a strong sense of community, friendship, and belonging. Surrounded by beautiful views of the city and the picturesque Gozitan countryside, Casa Giuseppe combines modern facilities with the comfort, familiarity, and warmth of home. Our dedicated team of qualified nurses and professional carers delivers person-centered care tailored to each resident’s individual needs. We are committed to promoting dignity, respect, independence, and compassion while supporting our residents’ medical, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Life at Casa Giuseppe extends far beyond quality care. Residents enjoy a vibrant programmed of daily activities designed to encourage active and fulfilling living. These include arts and crafts, dancing, gentle exercise sessions, Mass, visits to local churches, social gatherings, and seasonal celebrations. Through these activities, residents remain engaged, stimulated, and connected to both their fellow residents and the wider community, enhancing their overall quality of life.” For more 8888 or
information, contact us on 2156 email casagiuseppe@icare.com.mt