Italy advances national elderly care and home-based welfare plans

Italy is advancing new social welfare strategies for its aging population through the National Plan for Assistance and Care of Fragility and Non-Self-Sufficiency. Paolo Ragusa, president of ANCOS-UNCI, described the agreement reached in the Unified Conference as a turning point that moves beyond emergency-based interventions toward a structured, organic program. The plan emphasizes integrated care, shifting the focus toward home-based assistance and providing support for families and caregivers.

In conjunction with these national shifts, regional discussions in Tuscany are exploring alternatives to traditional residential healthcare facilities (RSAs). A conference organized by the Centro Basaglia and the Tuscany Region highlighted the importance of services that allow elderly citizens to remain within their own social and residential contexts. Advocates argue that public debate should expand beyond RSA waiting lists to include activities that preserve the dignity and social rights of the elderly by supporting their ability to live independently in their own homes.