An extention to CareMalta’s first home, Casa Arkati, was inaugurated this morning by Family Affairs and Social Solidarity Minister, Dr Michael Farrugia in the presence of Parliamentary Secretary for Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Aging.
Works on the project started last August and were completed last March in time to accommodate the first residents. Through this project, an additional 38 rooms were added to increase the number of residents at Casa Arkati by a further 87 persons.
A number of facilities were also increased; a new dining room was built to now accommodate up to 200 persons, a new chapel dedicated to St Michael was also inaugurated. In addition the reception area was enlarged and a new laundry room, a nurse station, lifts and administration offices were also added to the existent facilities.
Natalie Briffa Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer of CareMalta, compared the extension being inaugurated with the extension of life, which is what old age is about. She said that for CareMalta the value of life does not diminish with old age but, on the contrary, increases with time. That is why the company believe that the residents in the homes it operates deserve the best atmosphere and the best care possible. She spoke about a number of services the company will be introducing including a new wellness centre which will be of a great help for the resident’s physical and mental well-being.
Nazzareno Vassallo, Group Chairman announced that the total cost of this project amounted to around 4 million euro. Mr Vassallo spoke of the importance of having public partnership agreements in this sector which could see the state achieving more than if it ventured on its own. He gave as an example the recent launch of telecare plus which has resulted in a substantial increase in the number of subscribers in this very important service.
He also announced next September Caremalta will be starting works on its ninth home for the elderly, Casa San Paolo in Bugibba which will cost an estimate 9million euro to complete. Mr Vassallo revealed that the company has decided to explore other areas within the social sector starting with residential services for the disabled.
A commemorative plaque was then unveiled by Minister Farrugia.
Both Minister Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary Caruana delivered short messages for the occasion.
Present for the event were, apart for Minister Farrugia and Parliamentary Secretary Caruana, the Leader of the Opposition Dr Simon Busuttil, various MPs, the Mayor of Mosta, Dr Shirley Farrugia, local councillors and a number of guests including residents at Casa Arkati.