Nursing home manager honoured for ‘great dedication’

Joseph Rossi, manager at the Holy Family Home in Naxxar, has been rewarded with this year's edition of the Nazzareno Vassallo Award for his dedication in caring for the elderly over many years.

The award honours the achievements of those individuals or organisations in the field of elder care who have demonstrated initiatives in addressing issues related to ageing, which in turn could result in an improvement in the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of elderly persons in Malta.

Rossi has been managing the Holy Family Home in Naxxar for the past 16 years.

In a statement issued by Vassallo Group Malta, sponsors of the award, Rossi was described as having done his job with 'great dedication, patience and love.'

"He chose to dedicate the best years of his career to run a church home for the elderly, receiving a salary that does not reflect the responsibility and work that such a position entails. He continues to carry out his work with great dedication, patience and love, whilst using his past experience in the social field not only in his work with the elderly residents but also with their relatives," the statement said.

Rossi was announced the winner of the 15^th edition of the award after being chosen by a panel of judges headed by President Emeritus,  Edward Fenech Adami also comprising  Joe Mifsud, Lawrence Grech and Rosette Farrugia Bonello.

The ceremony was held at Rosevillein Attard and was presided over by President George Abela.

In his message, Vassallo Group and CareMalta Chairman, Nazzareno Vassallo, said that 2013 was a special year for the company not only because it marked the 20 year anniversary since the company was was set up, but also because this year it had gone through a further expansion in its operations with the current number of homes run by Caremalta in Zejtun and Mellieha, as well Zammit Clapp, having been increased.

Furthermore, works on the extension of Casa Arkati started in August and will be completed by March. As a result, these homes should be able to take in an additional 150 elderly residents.

Natalie Briffa Farrugia, Caremalta Chief Executive Officer said that it was encouraging to see that, year after year, the number of people volunteering in the sector of caring for the elderly was increasing.

"It not only offers richness in the lives of people benefiting from the voluntary services but also to the volunteers theelves who at times are elderly people too," she said.

CareMalta currently operates 8 facilities for the elderly, employs over 850 persons and provides accommodation services to over 1120 older persons.