Spahiu on International Day of Older Persons: We will double the efficiency of services and home care

As part of the International Day of Older Persons, the State Social Service organised a National Conference. The event highlighted the importance of guaranteeing quality and dignified social care for the elderly.

In her speech, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Klodiana Spahiu, underlined the need to further strengthen integrated services and called on the structures that provide direct care to show more responsibility and commitment.

“Never forget that your duty is perhaps one of the most difficult duties you have ever had, and that is how you should regard it. You run institutions where the category you serve is the most vulnerable category. Of course, as a ministry we have carried out very good projects to provide home services for the elderly, but on paper we are doing well; in reality we need to improve services for this age group. And from this moment on we will try to be more efficient,” Minister Spahiu stressed.

Setting up the Geriatrics Service and expanding regional hospitals

As part of the new policies for the elderly, work has begun on setting up the Geriatrics Service. The service will initially be based at the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Centre (QSUT) and will then gradually extend to regional hospitals across the country.

The main aim of this initiative is to provide specialised and coordinated hospital care that directly addresses the specific health needs of the elderly, guaranteeing continuity of medical treatment as close as possible to patients’ homes.

Network of community services and home assistance

To prevent unnecessary institutionalisation and keep older people within their family environment, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is expanding support at local level. Through Social Fund financing, 28 community and specialised services have been set up and are operating over the past five years.

The integrated care framework rests on three main pillars: expanding direct care and assistance services in older people’s homes; dedicated day services and shelter for categories in need of continuous care; and a direct, free communication channel made available for advice, information and guidance towards social and health services.