€8 Million For Carer At Home Scheme

Jan 5 2024

The elderly benefiting from the Carer at Home scheme will receive an additional €1,000 annually, according to a measure announced in Budget 2024. The allocation for this scheme has been increased from €5 million to €8 million.

This was disclosed in a press conference by the Minister for Active Aging, Jo Etienne Abela.

Starting this year, the benefit for this scheme has increased from €7,000 to €8,000 annually for the elderly employing caregivers of their choice to assist them in their daily needs. Those employing caregivers for less than 40 hours per week will receive the benefit on a pro-rata basis.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained that presently, there are 865 elderly individuals benefiting from this scheme. Out of these, 845 are on a full-time basis, employing caregivers or live-in caregivers for 40 hours per week, while 20 elderly individuals employ caregivers for less than 40 hours per week. He added that since the scheme’s inception in 2016, approximately 1,635 individuals have benefited.

“Through this scheme, the government is helping the elderly to continue living and be part of the community by providing all the necessary assistance. The increase in financial allocation for this scheme demonstrates the government’s commitment to continue investing in improving the quality of life for our elderly,” concluded Minister Abela.

Applications for this scheme can be submitted online at aacc.gov.mt or in-person at Local Councils, Service Centers for the Elderly in Malta or Gozo, where individuals can receive assistance in completing and submitting their applications.

#MaltaDaily

Dogs Are Able To Sense When Human Owners Are Pregnant

Jan 5 2024

The strong bond between humans and dogs extends beyond just cuddles and play-time, as the canine friends have been shown to sense when a human owner is pregnant.

Dogs rely on their exceptional sense of smell, capable of detecting subtle changes in body chemistry and hormones that accompany pregnancy, altering the owner’s scent.

Additionally, dogs keenly observe alterations in body shape and movements, recognising when a woman’s gait changes or she experiences difficulty standing, indicating pregnancy.

Dogs also perceive shifts in their owner’s mood and behavior associated with pregnancy.

When a woman becomes pregnant, dogs may exhibit various reactions such as increased affection and protection, agitation, growling, barking, or being uncooperative. Some dogs may urinate indoors or chew on new items brought for the baby.

While most dogs eventually adjust to these changes, some may require professional training if behavioural issues persist. Offering extra love and attention often helps dogs adapt, emphasising the importance of recognising dogs as sensitive family members.

As families expand, the positive impact of growing up with pets has been noted to extend to the new children.

#MaltaDaily

Mechanic Nativity Crib Wins National Competition

Jan 5 2024

Matthew Caligari’s mechanised nativity crib (known as presepju – ‘presepji’ in plural) won 1st place in a national competition of these same Christmas scenes.

This was the first year for Veni Veni Emanuel – Wirja ta’ Presepju Mekanizzat (Exhibition of Mechanised Nativity Scenes) in terms of competition, but the second year of creating such a marvellous structure.

Footage of the crib by Veni Veni Emanuel, posted to Facebook, shows the detail that goes into such a creation – with moving figurines of classic figures in the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, mini lanterns and sounds of the farm animals all included.

The crib can still be visited until the 7th of January in 13, Triq Birkirkara, San Ġwann.

#MaltaDaily

Looks Like We’re Getting Storms This Saturday!

Jan 5 2024

Following a weather forecast that predicted isolated rain showers, the meteorological office has updated it’s weekend forecast as it is likely that we’ll get thundery rain showers to kick off the first weekend of 2024.

Other local weather pages corroborated the prediction, with Facebook page Malta Weather reporting that the:

‘Entrance of a polar maritime airmass towards the Mediterranean will cause a deep low pressure system to develop over the region.’

‘ Hence, over the Maltese Islands it will generate a WSW to WNW wind which will reach Force 7 between Saturday morning and Monday peaking to Force 8 on Saturday night and with wind gusts reaching up to 90kmh and sea waves up to 9m for trough to crest coming from a Westerly direction. This wind will being accompanied by rain showers that could be thundery and with small hail’.

#MaltaDaily