SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED
All services and benefits for the disabled are available to foreigners registered in the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). The first step is to apply for the recognition of l’invalidità (civil disability) through Azienda Unita’ Sanitaria Locale (AUSL) or your family doctor/GP (medico di base). After a medical visit, a commission will evaluate the status and qualification of the disability.
For more information check www.inps.it/prestazioni-servizi/accertamento-sanitario
It should be noted that there is a difference between ‘civil disability’ and ‘handicap’ and the two categories translate into different benefits. ‘Handicap’ and ‘Severe Handicap’ are defined by law and are based on the disadvantages a disabled person encounters from interaction with his or her environment.
Other financial assistance and tax relief may be available – detailed information can be obtained from a booklet available at the INPS website at www.agenziaentrate.gov.it.
Other useful websites:
www.disabili.com ⇒ general information
www.saluter.it ⇒ regional health site
www.accaparlante.it ⇒ Center for Documentation on Handicap
www.handylex.org ⇒ information on legislation
www.asphi.it ⇒ Association for Developing Projects to Reduce a Handicap by Means of Information Technology
www.ausilioteca.org ⇒ Center for Technical Aids (also in English)
ELDERCARE & HOSPICE ASSISTANCE
The city and region’s websites are good places to start for a preview of the resources available to senior citizens:
www.iperbole.bologna.it ⇒ information for elderly (over 65)
www.iperbole.bologna.it ⇒ Centers and tools for elderly people
www.saluter.it ⇒ The palliative care network in Emilia-Romagna
Culturally, Italians prefer to care for the elderly at home. Most people hire an in-home nurse (badante) or care for their elderly parents in their own home.
Most nursing homes in Bologna are private structures called case di riposo (rest homes). These facilities range from basic care to extremely elegant and costly.
Other useful websites
www.anziani.it
www.fondazioneleonardo.it
www.informanziani.it
www.terzaeta.com
www.unitre.net