One of the branches of the social work of the Church is the service it offers among the elderly, a service which is subsidized considerably. The Church has under its direct responsibility five homes in which 303 persons reside. Besides these homes, there are nine others which are run by members of religious orders and which house 359 residents.

Dar Sant Anna is one of the homes which is directly under the responsibility of the Diocese. This home caters for 32 elderly persons, 33% of whom are almost totally dependent. In order to operate effectively, Dar Sant Anna employs 16 people on a full-time/pat-time basis and also offers services such as constant nursing. The fees paid by the residents vary between a minimum of €15 to a maximum of €30 per day. These fees do not fluctuate according to the health condition and dependence level of the residents, even if there is a change in these factors during the time in which the person is a resident at the home.

Due to financial limitations, the administrative body of Dar Sant Anna is not able to embark upon the project of refurbisihing a flatlet which is next to the home. This flatlet would be able to accommodate more residents. This project is estimated to cost more than €32,000.

Today Dar Sant Anna continues to operate thanks to the subsidy of the Central Fund of the Church in Malta, which between 2008 and 2010 contributed no less than €171,000.

FACTS REGARDING OLD PEOPLES HOMES IN THE DIOCESE

  • The homes which fall under the direcft responsibility of the Archidocese are:

– Casa Leone, St Julians (75 residents)

– Dar Saura, Rabat (65 residents)

– Dar Sagra Familja, Naxxar (86 residents)

– Dar Sant’ Anna, Isla (32 residents)

– Dar tal-Kleru, Birkirkara (45 residents)

  • Number of residents:

–  303 residents

–  233 employees  (full-time/part-time)

  • The highest expenses in these homes are:

– Wages for employees and professionals (68% of the total expenses)

– Food (10%)

– Water and Electricity (8%)

  • During the period 2001 – 2010the Central Fund of the Archdiocese subsidised these homes to a total of more than €2,600,000

Click on the photos to enlarge. The photos of the Archbishop’s events may be obtained from PHOTOCITY, Valletta. Tel: 21236723. Email: [email protected]