Italy approves new national plan for elderly care

The Interministerial Committee for Policies in Favor of the Elderly Population (Cipa) approved a new national plan for the care of fragility and non-self-sufficiency in the elderly in Rome on October 4, 2026. Presided over by Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policies Maria Teresa Bellucci, the plan aims to address complex issues such as involuntary loneliness and the heavy caregiving burden on Italian families.

The initiative integrates practices from the Italian Red Cross, following proposals by President Rosario Valastro. Key components include the integration of 'Telecompagnia' services and the 1520 public utility number to combat social isolation. The plan seeks to transform institutional services by placing human dignity and relational quality at the center of the care model.

In parallel, regional initiatives in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta are highlighting the role of oncological caregivers. During the European Caregiver Day, various health organizations and hospitals organized events to recognize the essential, often invisible, support provided by family members to those facing chronic and oncological diseases.