REFURBISHMENT OF DAR IL-MISTRIEĦ, FLORIANA

An ageing population requires the provision of holistic quality services in order for older persons to continue living independently within the community. Whilst the Ministry for Active Ageing strives to strengthen the provision of community services to older persons, longer life expectancies have led to an increased demand for residential care for older persons experiencing difficulties in performing their activities of daily living. In this regard, strengthening residential care services is a priority that the Ministry intends to pursue.

Photography DOI –Jason Borg.

Dar il-Mistrieħ, better known as Floriana Home, opened its doors to the first residents in 1987. This is the smallest care home amongst the four governmental care homes, as it accommodates 46 residents, and it is very sought after by old people from Valletta and Floriana.

Since Active Ageing and Community Care strives for a service of excellence, a radical refurbishment is currently being carried out to provide a secure environment for its elderly residents.

Refurbishment Works

In 2021 a total refurbishment of the basement was carried out by means of a €190,000 investment. The works carried out have resulted in adequate changing rooms and a spacious pantry for the employees, as well as a new laundry facility area for the residents of the home. Other works that amounted to over €100,000 included roof works, the installation of an electricity generator and a new fire alarm, outdoor umbrellas for the backyard, and the installation of air conditioning units in the chapel.

In the coming months, other major works will be carried out throughout the entire home. These will include new common bathrooms and ensuites; a new air conditioning system for the entire home; brand new furniture for the rooms, main kitchen and common areas; new soffits and light fittings; waterproofing; a new vinyl flooring for the common areas; new soft furnishings for the entire home; new kitchen equipment; as well as the reconstruction of the front ramp of the main entrance to make the home more accessible to wheelchairs and stretchers. The hairdressing salon is also being restructured, and a new multi-disciplinary clinic is being set up. This clinic will have specialized medical equipment so that residents are given holistic treatment within the home itself.

It is envisaged that the entire refurbishment will be completed by the end of 2023 with an estimated total cost of around €800,000 when one also considers the expenses of the first phase of refurbishment. The Welfare Committee will be providing €300,000 to cover part of the costs of this refurbishment.

Through this major refurbishment of Floriana Home, Active Ageing and Community Care will be drastically improving the quality of life of its residents by providing a safer and better caring and living environment.