The dissertation entitled ‘Dignity in Care Homes for Older People: A Qualitative Study’ by Anabel Scolaro, as part of her studies for the Master Degree of Gerontology and Geriatrics, was awarded the Hilltop Gardens Prize for best Gerontology and Geriatrics dissertation for 2016. The dissertation constitutes a research investigation on the extent that older residents in a Maltese long-term care facility experienced dignified living.
Presenting the award, Ms Jacqueline Camilleri, Chief Executive Officer at Hilltop Gardens, stated that the award was evidence of Hilltop Gardens’ commitment to innovative research and exceptional evidenced-based practice in the field of ageing welfare. Ms Camilleri congratulated Ms Scolaro for her success, and underlined how the concern for dignity is a key pillar in the way that Hilltop Gardens operate a community of successful elder residents.
Dr Marvin Formosa, Head of the Department of Gerontology, and Dr Andrew Azzopardi, Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, both underlined the importance of recognising the remarkable work completed by students in the course of their studies, as well as the importance of building bridges to stakeholders in the field of ageing such as Hilltop Gardens. Prof. Joseph Cacciottolo, Pro-Rector for Academic Affairs, commented positively on Ms Scolaro’s dissertation and encouraged her to publish her results so as to reach a wider audience.