Italy current state of care

Now more than ever, governments, public entities, the private sector and all citizens have roles to play in addressing the family (unpaid) caregiver problem. Caregivers should not have to face these hardships and inequities alone. As a society, we can help them, together. See why we need to provide more structured support and help from our key findings and insights directly from caregivers around the world.

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What is your country currently doing to support caregivers?

Find out all you need to know about the current state of care in Italy. Our information covers topics like legislation, working arrangement for caregivers, respite care, what your country is doing to financially support caregivers, pension credits and the information and training you have access to.

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Legislation

Current practises

Unpaid carers are formally recognized in Italy. In 2017, a fund was established for the financial coverage of legislative measures aimed at recognizing the social and economic value of the unpaid carer.i

Opportunities to increase support

Expand the definition of unpaid carer, improve full policy implementation of the 2018 Budget Law and decrease regional fragmentation.

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Working arrangements

Current practises

Nationally, unpaid carers are entitled up to 3 days’ leave per month. This leave is fully paid by the INPS (the national social security agency) or another social security agency. Up to 2 years’ unpaid leave can be taken in a staggered manner.iii

Opportunities to increase support

Provide a national employment policy which includes paid and flexible care leave, flexible working conditions, and the promotion of a work-life balance.

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Respite care

Current practises

There is no national respite care available, but in some regions, measures have been introduced to give the unpaid carer rest periods or breaks (holidays or temporary detachment).v

Opportunities to increase support

Nationally recognize respite care as a right and provide more funding to implement respite care in all regions.

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Financial support

Current practises

Unpaid carers may receive a Carers Allowance if the person for whom they care fits the definition of “invalid” (i.e. they are unable to accomplish activities of daily living).ii

Opportunities to increase support

Provide financial support to all unpaid carers, not just the unpaid carer of the disabled or ill person.

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Pension credits

Current practises

A form of early retirement is allowed for some categories of workers considered to be disadvantaged, including unpaid carers.iv

Opportunities to increase support

Allow for early retirement pension credits for unpaid carers.

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Information and training

Current practises

A general information service provides information about support services, but it varies per region.vi

Opportunities to increase support

Provide support to regions to increase education and training to unpaid carers.

References

i EUROCARERS. (2017). A Fund to support the caring role of informal carers has been established by national law. Page 1. http://eurocarers.org/News-from-Italy-A-Fund-to-support-informal-carers-has-been-established-by-national-law [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]

ii Alzheimer Europe. (2009). Italy Social Support Systems. Page 1. https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/Policy-in-Practice2/Country-comparisons/2007- Social-support-systems/Italy [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]

iii Ibid.

iv Library of Congress. (2017). Italy: Early Retirement Benefits. Page 1. http://www.loc.gov/law/foreign-news/article/italy-early-retirement-benefits/ [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]

v Alzheimer Europe. (2009). Italy Social Support Systems. Page 1. https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/Policy-in-Practice2/Country-comparisons/2007- Social-support-systems/Italy [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]

Ibid.

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