Nicosia, Cyprus. Deputy Welfare Minister Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina carried out on-site inspections of care homes on Tuesday to assess whether measures protecting elderly residents during the heatwave are being implemented.
The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare said the visits focused on compliance with guidance issued to care home operators last month on air-conditioning systems.
Protection measures
Papaellina said protecting the dignity, safety and quality of life of elderly people remained a priority for the deputy ministry.
“Protecting the dignity, safety and quality of life of the elderly is a top priority for the deputy ministry,” she said.
She said the inspections were intended to ensure that every elderly person living in a care home had safe conditions, dignity and quality care, particularly during extreme weather events such as high temperatures.
“Prevention and early intervention are the best form of protection,” she said.
Monitoring compliance
According to the deputy ministry, the inspections are being conducted on a sample basis to assess compliance with written instructions issued by social services.
During the visits, Papaellina met residents, staff and management to discuss the facilities’ daily operations and the quality of care provided.
The deputy ministry said inspections would continue in all districts as authorities monitor compliance and work with providers to maintain care standards for elderly residents.
