"I have little to no friends left and nobody visits; the days feel very long" said 78-year-old Michael Mifsud, one of the thousands of elderly Maltese who remain socially isolated all year round and especially during the festive season. Michael lives in a nursing home and, despite having other residents nearby, the home's manager Reuben Vella Bray says: "We have seen Michael become more and more socially withdrawn over the years. We try as much as possible to involve him in our activities, but unfortunately he sees other residents with lots of visitors and nobody coming to see him."
Now, thanks to a new initiative , Michael has been befriended. The "Adopt a Granny" scheme was rolled out by the Jasmine Nursing Home in October. The scheme was launched by Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, Anthony Agius Decelis and Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms, Citizenship and Administrative Processes Simplification, Julia Farrugia Portelli. The project is aimed at reducing loneliness among the elderly and creating lasting friendships.
"Adopt a Granny' is an awesome initiative by Jasmine Nursing Home," said Farrugia Portelli. "I firmly believe that reforms are not just about the important legal mechanisms we need to introduce as a country. As a society, we need to walk the line. We have to reform the way we act within that society – how each and every citizen can make little gestures to instil love and warmth in our communities." These days, Michael is visited regularly by Oscar Sammut. Oscar came to hear about the scheme at a time when his wife was temporarily staying in the same home. "After my wife was transferred to a home closer to me, I couldn't bring myself to forget about Michael. I had met him a few times in the home, and once I heard about this scheme I asked if I could befriend Michael since we got along so well." Oscar now takes several buses a week to visit Michael. Despite being 81 himself, he is very independent and has strong family support. "Friendship doesn't have an age limit. I am very blessed that I have a large family around me, and lots of grandchildren. Michael lost his wife some years ago, and his only child died as a baby. We get along very well, we go to Valletta together for a cup of coffee and a walk, or I take him the papers and his favourite thing – a Kit Kat!"
Michael (left) and Oscar
Michael is equally exuberant about his new acquaintance. "I count the days until Oscar arrives! It is nice to get out and see Malta: I love the changes in Valletta and seeing all the infrastructure work on the roads, although Malta is changing very quickly these days. It is not as beautiful as it was when we were small – we talk about this a lot and it worries both of us! We talk about all kinds of things: I'm a retired electrician and Oscar is a retired handyman. Oscar also takes me to important appointments and places like the pharmacy."
Recently, Michael was pleased to learn that a close relative of his was returning to Malta after years of being a priest abroad, although unfortunately they have been unable to meet yet as the gentlemen has also had to move into full-time care in a different location. "I hope to see him soon," Michael adds.
Homes manager Reuben Vella Bray added: "It's great to see what a life-changing difference the scheme has made for people like Michael. We have had a huge interest in this scheme. For us, the vetting process to find a great and reliable match, is of paramount importance. We cannot put any of our residents in a situation where somebody promises to visit them and then, within a few months, stops coming. Equally, we cannot put any of them in a vulnerable position, whether that is emotionally or financially. So all those participating in the scheme must undergo full background checks, vetting and training."
For further information about participating in the scheme, contact the home direct on 2133 0307, or via www.jasminenursinghome.com.mt
from The Malta Independent http://bit.ly/2VcVNuN
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