The end of the year is always a great time to reflect on all the memories and good times shared together. And at Simblija, we are truly thankful that 2023 was a joyous time for our community. As the magical festive season is upon us, we invite you to join us in celebrating the countless highlights we have shared over the past year. At Simblija, we understand the importance of creating a vibrant and engaging community for our residents. That's why we have introduced a new addition to our dedicated team - Fiona Debattista, our Activity Coordinator. Fiona has had an incredible impact on all our residents, enriching their lives with a wide array of activities and experiences that have brought joy and fulfillment to every one of them. Our residents have consistently expressed their desire to mix and mingle with people from outside the community, fostering connections and embracing new experiences. To meet this need, in October, we introduced our first-ever event designed to encourage new friendships. The event was a resounding success, as it brought residents and visitors from the local community together. Now, as the holiday season is here, we have a plethora of exciting activities planned that will ensure that the festive season is one filled with warmth and cheer. Here's a glimpse of what's in store for this festive season at Simblija: Christmas Gingerbread Man Baking Competition Christmas Movies Afternoons Festive Chair Dance Christmas Carol Sing-Along Festive Entertainment and More For those seeking respite and not wishing to be alone during the festive season, Simblija is here to offer the perfect solution. Our around-the-clock care, full board accommodation, and extensive activity selection will make you feel right at home. For more information, kindly give us a call on 2235 1000 or send an email at [email protected].

As the population in Malta ages, there is a growing need for high-quality healthcare and residency services tailored to the unique needs of senior citizens. AX Care is at the forefront of addressing these requirements with a comprehensive, holistic approach to senior care, available at both Simblija Care Home and Hilltop Gardens Retirement Village. Malta is witnessing a significant shift in demographics. The proportion of elderly individuals in the population is steadily increasing. The latest regional statistics released by the NSO revealed that the elderly population in Malta has experienced its most significant increase between 2011 and 2021. Simultaneously, the birth rate has slowed down, resulting in a demographic shift where there are approximately three working-age adults for every elderly person aged 65 or older. This demographic shift necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation of how we care for our senior citizens. AX Care understands the significance of this changing landscape and has taken the initiative to address this specifically. At the heart of our commitment is the provision of the highest standards of residential care on the island. This achievement is made possible by our dedicated, multidisciplinary team, which coordinates and oversees all the health and care needs of our residents. Our team comprises highly qualified healthcare professionals, including nurse assistants, carers, in-house physiotherapists, medical doctors, and our activity coordinator. By working collaboratively, we bring a wealth of expertise and specialist skills to assess, plan, and manage the wellbeing of our residents, ensuring a holistic approach to care. In addition to this, our extended a tissue viability nurse, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, and nutritionists. This collaborative medical and allied healthcare professional approach ensures that long-term care planning is resident and family-centered. At the core of this multidisciplinary team is the resident themselves, and our primary goal is to meet all their needs holistically. In cases where residents require specialised attention, we draw upon the expertise of our external colleagues and practitioners. This approach enables us to confidently refer residents to the specialised medical care they need when conditions demand it. Simblija Care Home and Hilltop Gardens Retirement Village are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services aimed at providing senior citizens with a comfortable, dignified, and enjoyable living experience. At AX Care, we recognise the evolving needs of Malta's ageing population and are committed to addressing these needs with a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare and residency services. Our dedication to providing high-quality care is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every senior citizen in our care enjoys a life of comfort, dignity, and well-being. We stand as a beacon of excellence in senior care in Malta, and our services reflect our unwavering dedication to our residents and their families.

[caption id="attachment_2509" align="aligncenter" width="1030"] Our Head Chef: Steven Pisani[/caption] Briefly let us know your journey throughout your culinary years. My personal journey in the culinary industry started when I enrolled in the Food Preparation and Production Certificate program, which paved the way for me to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts. During my years at I.T.S., I had many opportunities to learn from exceptional lecturers, both locally and abroad. The knowledge obtained from this institute and the Paul Bocuse Institute in France has led me to secure my place in various hotels and restaurants in Malta and abroad, such as the one-star Michelin star “Lympstone Manor” restaurant, led by Michael Caines. This fuelled my appetite for more challenges and adventures, ultimately leading to AX giving me the opportunity to lead a team at Simblija Care Home and Hilltop Retirement Village. What inspired you to become a Chef? My mother was my inspiration for starting my culinary journey. From a young age, seeing her cook a wide variety of meals, ranging from pasta and meats to home-made bread and pizza on a daily basis, inspired me to start creating my own food dishes. What is most satisfying about your job? Customer feedback. Receiving feedback from clients or residents justifies the long hours. My day is made whenever I sacrifice a free evening, or go the extra mile, and then have someone on the other side appreciating every bit of it. How do you describe your overall cooking philosophy? Cooking is an art in which all the senses work together in a synchronised manner. A simple ingredient can be transformed into a delicious multisensory meal. New combinations of ingredients and methods have endless possibilities of unique dishes. Let us know about your signature dish. I have enjoyed perfecting my chicken liver parfait with cider jelly, apples, truffled blue potatoes, and fresh brioche bread. Creating a dish like this requires precise timing and attention to detail; a minute less or a minute more can easily spoil the final result. Your favourite ingredient to cook with and why? My favourite ingredient to work with is Pork Belly. While it is often seen as an economical cut of meat, the magic happens when it is brined and cooked well, resulting in a beautiful crunchy skin with a succulent, tender meat full of flavours. When designing a menu, what do you take into consideration mostly? Firstly, finding the niche in my market. I believe in basing my menu around the customers that I want to attract to my establishment. Then, I aim to achieve what I plan to do by looking at the local and seasonal fruits and vegetables that are available around me. Which period of the year is your most favourite for cooking? Definitely Summer. It’s the time of year when fruits and vegetables are at their peak ripeness; the natural sunlight gives an extra kick to their flavour. The abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients in the summer allows for a delightful creativity in the kitchen, and it's during this period that I find the most inspiration and enjoyment in my cooking. When you’re not in the kitchen, where can you be found? In our family fields, trying to understand better the natural process of growing plants and trees. This relaxes my mind from the day-to-day tasks whilst deepening my understanding of the intricate wonders of nature. I feel recharged and equipped with fresh perspectives.   [caption id="attachment_2511" align="aligncenter" width="1030"] Our Kitchen Brigade at Simblija Care Home[/caption]

Bringing Elegance, Quality, and Professionalism to the Heart of Naxxar AX Care is proud to present a comprehensive overview of our mission, vision, and core values, setting us apart as a pioneer in providing premium retirement living and healthcare services. Our dedication to the wellbeing and comfort of our residents is reflected in our elegantly designed premises, which host a variety of facilities, each designed to cater to different aspects of senior living. Our Mission Our mission at AX Care is to provide a dignified and holistic retirement experience that enhances the quality of life for our residents. We strive to create an atmosphere that promotes well-being, active ageing, and a sense of belonging. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional healthcare and residency services that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our residents. Our Vision We envision a world where ageing is a graceful and fulfilling journey. Our vision is to be at the forefront of senior care and retirement living, setting new standards of excellence and redefining what it means to grow older. We aim to be the trusted partner for seniors and their families, providing the highest quality of care and an enriching environment where cherished memories are made. Our Values AX Care is founded on a set of core values that guide every aspect of our operations: Dignity: We respect the inherent worth and individuality of every resident, ensuring that they are treated with the utmost respect and kindness. Quality: We are unwavering in our commitment to delivering high-quality care, services, and facilities. Professionalism: Our team of licensed care professionals is dedicated to providing expert care with compassion and integrity. Innovation: We continuously seek innovative solutions and remain at the forefront of the latest developments in senior care and retirement living. Community: We foster a sense of belonging and community where residents can create lasting bonds with their neighbours. What truly sets us apart is our beautifully designed premises in Naxxar, where residents can enjoy a plethora of upscale amenities. Within the Hilltop Gardens complex, you will find: The Chapel: A serene place of worship that nurtures the spiritual well-being of our residents. Bocci Pitch: A recreational area for enjoyable games and activities, promoting an active lifestyle. Outdoor Pool: A refreshing outdoor pool where residents can relax and bask in the sun during the summer months. The Orchard Restaurant: A family bistro that offers patrons a value-for-money trattoria-style lunching and dining experience. The Library: A cosy and inviting space filled with a diverse and respectable selection of books spanning a wide range of genres. The Lounge: The perfect communal space to while away an hour or two in great company. The Courtyard: A function space designed to accommodate organised activities, seminars and talks, and even special theatre and musical performances from guest entertainers. Revive Physiotherapy & Aquatic Centre: A state-of-the-art physiotherapy and hydrotherapy centre, promoting physical well-being and recovery. Sanya Spa: A tranquil wellness centre that offers all the elements that you need to support such a nourishing lifestyle. Chic Physique Studio: A fully equipped fitness center for residents to maintain their health and vitality. We understand that retirement is a unique and deeply personal journey, and our goal is to provide a continuum of care that caters to clients during every stage of their retirement years. Our integrated services and expertise ensure that all our residents enjoy a welcoming and homelike atmosphere, where their day-to-day needs are met without sacrificing on comfort and quality of living. At AX Care, we are proud to be a beacon of excellence in retirement living and healthcare services, where elegance, quality, and professionalism meet to create a remarkable journey for our residents. We invite you to experience the AX Care difference, where ageing is a privilege and not a limitation. For more information about AX Care, our services, and our facilities, please visit www.axcare.mt or call 2235 1000.

Dementia is a term we often hear, particularly concerning our elderly. But what exactly is it? Simply put, dementia is a collective term for brain conditions that cause a decline in cognitive abilities. Some common signs include memory loss, difficulty in finding words, struggling with tasks, and changes in mood. In Malta alone, an estimated 4,072 individuals grapple with dementia. Awareness of its symptoms can pave the way for better understanding to accurately support the loved ones in our lives who suffer from this condition. Dementia Care at Simblija Care Home Navigating dementia is not easy, neither for the individual nor their family. At Simblija Care Home, our years of dedication to dementia care reflect this understanding. We aim for nothing less than the best supportive environment, embracing a specialised touch. We achieve this through a holistic approach that takes into consideration a carefully designed physical space, compassionate expert care, and a vibrant community element, rich in engaging activities. Here, we delve into how each of these facets enhances the life quality of our dementia residents. Our Butterfly Memory Support Unit Dementia care takes a lot of thought and planning. Our Memory Support Unit exemplifies this. Designed specifically for dementia care, the unit is a haven of bright spaces and sensory-rich interiors that gently nudge memories and encourage self-reliance. Located on the ground floor, residents can safely enjoy the beauty of landscaped outdoors, all under our care team’s supervision. Navigation is simple and easy, thanks to intuitive signage and labels that gently guide our residents to where they wish to go. We want our spaces to empower those with memory challenges to embrace their independence as much as possible, in an environment that prioritises their dignity. Safety is also a priority thanks to features like non-slip floors, grab rails, and emergency systems in place. We strive to provide more than a room, but a space where our residents rediscover their potential every day. A Dedicated Professional Care Team At Simblija Care Home, we are highly selective, choosing only the most qualified and passionate care professionals, and remain committed to staying abreast of the latest insights and breakthroughs in dementia care, ensuring we provide the finest elderly care on the island. Of course, caring for dementia residents is not just about expertise and medical treatment, it also requires heart. Our team remains empathic and is equipped with the latest knowledge in dementia care. They prioritise effective communication and endless patience, essential virtues in this field. We also believe that family matters. The beauty of family involvement in care cannot be stressed enough. Not only does it bring comfort, but it also plays a pivotal role in the well-being of our residents. We understand this, and thus, always encourage families to be part of the decision-making process. By embedding families into the lives of our residents, we cultivate an environment where love, understanding, and collective effort thrive, enhancing the overall dementia care experience. The Power of Community and Connection We all thrive on community and connection, and nowhere is this truer than in dementia care. Therapies like music, art, and reminiscence therapies aren't just activities, they are lifelines that spark memories, kindle joy, and create moments of clarity. They are therapeutic in the truest sense. Under the guidance of our activities coordinator, Fiona Debattista, our residents enjoy a rich programme of activities at Simblija from week to week. From Noodle Exercises that get the body moving, to the uplifting rhythms of music, and the soothing calm of sensory activities, there's something for everyone. We also host regular sessions with 'Dancing to Dementia' by the Malta Dementia Society. All these activities are more than just pastimes. They are an essential part of keeping our residents connected to themselves, to their surroundings, and most importantly, to the joyous possibilities of every day. All in all, our structured approach to dementia care empowers all our memory-impaired residents to thrive, feel safe, and maintain a fulfilling and dignified lifestyle. If your family is on this journey, know you are not alone. Our expert team is ready to guide you, ensuring every decision centres on your loved one's well-being. Get in touch today to learn more about our Dementia Care Plans.

Join Us on Saturday 21st October for a Memorable Event in Naxxar To foster camaraderie and strengthen community bonds, Simblija Care Home is thrilled to announce its first event designed to build lasting friendships among its residents and the local community. On the morning of October 21st, 2023, Simblija Care Home, located on Triq il-Forga, Naxxar, warmly welcomes everyone to a delightful gathering from 9:30am till 12:30pm. The event ‘Start Friendships at Simblija’ promises a delightful morning filled with delectable treats and warm conversations. Simblija's talented kitchen team will be whipping up a selection of tea and sweet delights that are sure to tantalise your taste buds while bonding with new friends. At Simblija Care Home, we take immense pride in our dedicated and qualified team of caregivers, nurses, and support staff. This event offers a unique chance for attendees to meet and chat with our compassionate professionals who play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Getting to know the residents is at the core of this event. At Simblija, we also invite you to connect with the vibrant individuals who call this care home their abode. Share stories, experiences, and laughter with these wonderful residents, and you will find that friendships can bloom at any age. For those seeking a moment of spiritual reflection, we are also organising a special mass led by our Chaplain. It's a time to come together, find solace, and experience the sense of unity that transcends all boundaries. As you stroll through our premises, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of stalls showcasing local crafts, handmade goods, and unique items. It is a chance to support local artisans and perhaps find a special keepsake to remember the day. At Simblija Care Home, we are excited to host this event and welcome everyone to be part of this heartwarming experience. To secure your spot at this special gathering and immerse yourself in the warmth and community spirit at Simblija Care Home, get in touch today by calling 2235 1000. Join us on October 21st, and let's celebrate the bonds that connect us all.