Shortcomings uncovered during inspections at old people’s homes

Inspections at private old people’s homes and homes contracted by the government had uncovered a number of shortcomings but no action could be taken as there was no regulatory authority, according to Justyne Caruana, Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing.

Caruana, who was speaking in parliament on Wednesday in the second reading of a bill to set up the Homes for Older Persons (Care Quality Standards) Authority, said the propsed authority would be tasked with monitoring and regulating operations of such homes.

She said the bill laid down a specific legal structure for the operation and management of care and nursing homes for older persons in a bid ti further safeguard the well-being of older persons.

The bill would also clearly identify quality standard thresholds that homes would need to meet.