The Archdiocese of Malta is assisting the Dominican Sisters with the relocation of residents and employees of the Apap Institute care home in Santa Venera following a decision by the religious order to close the establishment by the end of the year.
The Dominican Sisters took the difficult decision to relinquish the running of the home —which accommodates 30 elderly residents— due to the declining number of religious vocations and the substantial investment required to refurbish the 80-year-old building.
The Archdiocese will assist with relocating the residents, who benefit from a heavily subsidised rate, to Church-and State-run homes and seeking alternative employment for the nine full-time and four part-time staff members.
The Archdiocese will absorb as many residents and employees as possible into its own structures and has already been in contact with the government about alternatives for those that cannot be accommodated.
The Apap Institute, which forms part of the Dominican Sisters’ Convent in Santa Venera, was established as a home for the elderly after World War II, in line with the Sisters’ mission to care for children, the elderly and the sick.
The Director of the Homes for the Elderly of the Church, André Vassallo Grant, said: “Although the Apap Institute is owned by the Archdiocese, the administration of the home and daily care for residents have always been provided by the Dominican Sisters.
“The sad reality is they can no longer continue offering this service, and we have pledged our full support to the Mother Provincial to find solutions for those affected.”