Fondazioneconilsud.it

Caregivers are family members who provide voluntary and free-of-charge care for their loved ones with high health-care needs, for example, cancer patients, individuals with chronic or degenerative conditions, rare illnesses, or congenital or acquired disabilities. This role inevitably impacts their daily lives and family structure, leading to profound changes in lifestyle. The consequences often include reduced employment opportunities, financial strain, psychophysical and social challenges.

The 12 new projects selected by Fondazione Con il Sud through the fifth edition of its Social and Health-Care Call for Proposals commit to a total of €4 million in support. The projects will be launched in Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Puglia, Sardinia, and Sicily.

It is estimated that there are more than 3 million caregivers in Italy, predominantly women between the ages of 45 and 55. Many also work outside their home or have been compelled to leave their jobs (in 60% of cases) to provide full-time care for family members^[1].  In Italy, the family remains the primary care setting, stemming from cultural factors and the shortage of dedicated public services.

“Caring for a family member with a difficult health condition is a responsibility that unfortunately has significant repercussions on a person’s psychological and physical well-being, in addition to obvious economic consequences,” stated Stefano Consiglio, President of Fondazione Con il Sud. “Fondazione Con il Sud is committed to standing alongside caregivers, who far too often are left to face these challenges alone.“

The newly launched projects will introduce a range of services, including listening posts, counselling, guidance services, and information points to help caregivers navigate administrative and bureaucratic processes. There will be workshops and recreational activities for patients and their caregivers, opportunities for leisure and socialization through sports, cultural events, and artistic activities. In addition, home-care assistants will be trained, enabling caregivers of those with high care needs to have free time, to work, or manage everyday tasks.

Agreements with employment centers and regional job agencies will seek to support the professional reintegration or re-employment to facilitate the return to work for those who have left their jobs to care for family members. Furthermore, collaborations with public entities and private businesses are planned to promote corporate welfare initiatives and support working caregivers. Beyond professional training, caregivers will receive guidance on in-home management for family members with high health needs. Technology will play a role in this support through dedicated apps, helplines, and devices to monitor patient vital signs.

The projects that will receive funding aim to improve the conditions and quality of life for 2,300 family caregivers. Nearly 100 organizations are involved in the project partnerships.

With its previous calls for proposals, Fondazione Con il Sud has allocated nearly €18 million to support approximately 50 projects. These initiatives have focused on areas including combating health-care poverty, and new forms of addictions, strengthening assistance and care services managed by third-sector organizations, and promoting social and workplace inclusion for people with mental disabilities.

^[1] Source: ISTAT, 2018 Survey on Work–Family Reconciliation.