Browse Ageing Policies

The Maltese National Dementia Strategy 2024-2031, titled ‘Reaching New Heights’, aims to significantly improve the quality of services and the quality of life of persons living with dementia in the Maltese islands. The Strategy builds upon the progress made by the previous strategy and focuses on several key areas, including increasing awareness and understanding of dementia, reducing the risk of developing the condition, enabling early diagnosis, empowering individuals with dementia and their families, developing a dementia-capable workforce, strengthening integrated person-centered care, and advancing dementia research. Specific measures featured in the Strategy include, for example, campaigns to lessen stigma and discrimination associated with dementia, ensuring that day care services for persons with dementia are available and accessible, and increasing the number of beds for persons with dementia in long-term care services. An Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Ministry for Active Ageing, will oversee the implementation of the Strategy, involving people with dementia and their families.

The objective of the National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing 2023-2030 of Malta is to mainstream ageing and to protect the human rights of older people by mitigating against age discrimination, elder abuse, social exclusion, and solitude, whilst also acting as a catalyst for excellent levels of acute, community and long-term care. While the Ministry for Active Ageing is the institution responsible for leading the implementation of the recommendations of the policy, different Ministries are to ensure the necessary funding and human resources for initiatives that fall under their respective responsibility are available. Furthermore, the policy includes as one key objective the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Minister for Active Ageing, to coordinate the implementation of its recommendations. While some of the recommendations are aimed directly at older persons, in terms of scope, many call for action on the societal level. A key feature of the policy are its comprehensive list of planned measures and initiatives. In terms of timeline, the policy will be implemented in the years 2023-2030.

The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons has the objectives to promote and safeguard the interests and human rights of older persons, eliminate age discrimination, and ensure their active participation in society. The Office was established by the Commissioner for Older Persons Act, Chapter 553 of the Laws of Malta. Key stakeholders include the Council for Older Persons, various government ministries, NGOs, and the general public. The Office's functions target the elderly population of Malta, which constitutes over 20% of the total population. It covers national-level interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for older persons. The Office purposes include raising awareness about the rights of older persons, promoting healthy and active lifestyles, preventing elder abuse, and ensuring social inclusion. Specific measures include educational campaigns, collaboration with other entities, and providing guidance and support to older persons and their families. The Office's work is implemented through various initiatives such as media participation, public consultations, and collaboration with other stakeholders. The Office also investigates complaints and provides advice and guidance to older persons. The establishment of the Office has led to increased awareness about the rights and needs of older persons. The Office of the Commissioner for Older Persons was established on October 15, 2016.

The National Minimum Standards for Care Homes outline regulatory frameworks and specific criteria applicable to care homes catering to older individuals with varying dependency levels, including specialized units for dementia care. Recognizing the unique needs of each resident, the Standards establish minimum requirements for operational and managerial competencies to ensure the delivery of individually tailored, comprehensive, and high-quality services. Applicable to all care homes requiring registration and annual licensing, the leading principles encompass person-centered care, dignity, privacy, physical and mental well-being, self-fulfillment, autonomy/empowerment, equality, the right to complain, and the right to legal recourse, fostering active ageing in home cares. They are developed by Parliamentary secretariat for rights of persons with disability and active ageing. These Standards serve as a tool for independent regulators through regular communication with residents, families, staff, and managers. Assessment methods include observation of daily life and home management, audits of written policies and procedures, and scheduled/ad hoc inspections. By emphasizing these principles and assessment approaches, the Standards aim to uphold the quality and individualized nature of care provided in care homes for older individuals.

The National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing (NSPAA) 2014–2020 is Malta's first national ageing strategy launched by the Government. In October 2021, the Maltese Government launched the second National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing: Malta 2021-2027. NSPAA is developed by the National Commission for Active Ageing. The policy reflects a collaborative effort involving stakeholders, professionals in ageing, and twelve non-governmental organizations advocating for older persons's interests. The policy framework aims to contribute to a fairer society and is based on the principle of social justice with a national focus. NSPAA is cross-sectoral and revolves around three key themes: active participation in the labour market, societal participation, and independent living. To actualize its vision, NSPAA employs a multifaceted approach and a user-participation model in social services. The second strategy focuses on the centrality of a life course approach and sensitivity towards the human rights of older persons, with three key sections: social inclusion, healthy ageing, and addressing diversity and inequalities. Implementation is followed up by an Inter-Ministerial Committee, chaired by the Minister for Senior Citizens and Active Ageing. The committee coordinates the plan for action, certifies a trained workforce in ageing welfare, and allocates a budget for implementation.