Grosseto retirees decry unaffordable nursing home fees, call for better community health access

The Spi Cgil union in Grosseto says the province has 63,352 pensioners, representing 29% of the population and well above the national average. Average pensions, especially for women and former agricultural or self‑employed workers, fall below €1,000 a month, while the lowest‑cost public nursing home (RSA) charges €1,306.50 per month, effectively wiping out retirees' income. Demographic data show the over‑65 population has risen by more than 3,100 since 2011, with a sharp increase in those over 80, and the number of disability and accompaniment beneficiaries continues to climb, indicating a growing demand for long‑term care.

The union also criticised the Casa di comunità Hub in Porto Santo Stefano, calling for improved accessibility and extended opening hours. It highlighted a shortage of parking spaces, a €3‑per‑hour fee and limited resident permits that burden elderly and frail users. Service hours for the CUP and the nursing clinic are currently only a few hours on two days a week, and other services operate on reduced schedules. Spi Cgil representatives Erio Giovannelli, Vincenzo Legler and Alda Cardelli urged local authorities and the health authority to increase parking, broaden service hours, and expand capacity to meet the needs of the ageing population.