Italy caregivers face high poverty risk and service gaps

According to data released by Istat on July 25, 2026, over 12 million people in Italy—approximately one-quarter of the adult population—provide unpaid assistance to relatives, friends, or neighbors with motor, cognitive, or health difficulties. Among these, 4.4 million are cohabiting family caregivers, who are predominantly women and often balance these duties with external employment.

The report highlights significant economic vulnerabilities. Families with at least one person with a disability face a 28.4% risk of poverty, compared to the national average of 23.4%. Furthermore, 28.7% of these families experience material deprivation, struggling to pay for essential costs such as utilities, rent, or mortgages. Family incomes in these households are 7.8% lower than the national average, and 38.4% of these families operate under low labor intensity, significantly higher than the 9.1% seen in other households.

Challenges are exacerbated during the summer months as local services and day centers often reduce or cease activities, increasing the burden on families. Extreme heat also intensifies the health struggles of those being assisted and raises energy costs for necessary climate control.