Towards a Structured and Systemic Integration of Home Care for the Non Self Sufficient in Italy

The complexity of the needs of people requiring home care and the problems faced by their carers call for a co-ordinated, person-centred and long-term sustainable approach that overcomes the traditional divisions between the health and social sectors. The main objectives of this report are to understand the challenges and potential associated with the integration of home care services for people who are not self-sufficient, and to promote progress in policies for the integration of health and social care. The report adopts a multidisciplinary approach to explore the main dynamics of the sectors, identify good practices in Italy and abroad, and highlight key innovations and areas for improvement. Particular attention is paid to the regional and local dimension, given the increasing decentralisation of Italy's healthcare system over the past two decades. The analysis combines a review of existing policies and practices with an analysis of national and international data, complemented by new and unpublished data from two OECD surveys, one covering Italian regions and autonomous provinces, and the other14 local areas. Comparative experiences from other OECD countries provide further insights into different models of social and health integration and the lessons they may offer for Italy.