Residents of Dar Saura home for the elderly to be relocated
The 17th-century Rabat building which houses the home is no longer up to standard
Residents of an elderly home in Rabat will be moving to more modern residences by the spring of next year, the Church announced on Tuesday.
Dar Saura, a 17th-century building, is home to 45 residents, but the Archdiocese of Malta says that the building is no longer up to standard.
“In recent years, it has become clear that, without major refurbishment, Dar Saura is no longer able to deliver the quality of life its 45 residents deserve, and the Church will therefore be providing better alternatives for them,” Archdiocese administrative secretary Michael Pace Ross said.
The residents will be moving to different residential homes across Malta, an Archdiocese spokesperson confirmed.
Residents will be asked where they would like to go, the spokesperson said when contacted for clarification.
“We naturally appreciate this move will cause some disruption to their lives and will be doing everything possible to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Their welfare remains our top priority, and we will be taking care of them,” Pace Ross said.
The Archdiocese will be helping Dar Saura’s full-time staff to find other employment in the care sector, a statement sent by the church said.
“There is significant demand for their services,” the statement said.
Dar Saura was built in the 1600s and is a Grade 1 listed building, the Archdiocese said. It originally served as a hospital for people suffering from chronic diseases, the Archdiocese said.
It will be refurbished and used for other purposes, which are yet to be determined, the statement said.