20 standards for disability care homes launched for consultation

A document proposing 20 standards for residential homes for persons with disability was launched for consultation today by parliamentary secretary Justyne Caruana.

Addressing her first press conference since she was sworn in as junior minister, Caruana said the standards outlined in the document will guide both care givers

 and receivers.

“Through these standards we not only want to ensure that persons with disabilities are given the best service but places them at the heart of the strategy and care,” she said.

Caruana added that a one-size-fits-all policy was no longer an option but residences should provide residents with a personalised model.

The standards are aimed at improving independent living, measures that should be transferred to community living as well.

As parliamentary secretary for rights of persons with disability, Caruana said her secretariat would work to start implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability. Malta is already a signatory to the convention and it has been ratified.

“I don’t want rights on paper but I want these persons to be able to choose their own care plan, to be given a choice and not to face discrimination. Social inclusion and accessibility to opportunities are key,” Caruana said.

She added that while there was an increased demand for care homes, the government will ensure that quality is provided.

Asked whether the government planned on improving voting accessibility for persons with disability, Caruana said there was little one could do differently for the upcoming May EP elections.

“But definitely a priority for the next elections will be a new ballot template for the visually impaired.”