Healthcare and Rehabilitation for the Elderly in Italy

Abstract

Italy is the sixth largest country in Europe and has the second highest average life expectancy (79.4 years for men and 84.5 for women). The Ministry of Health is responsible for the administration of the health service, even if much of the control is held by the regional and the local health authorities (azienda sanitaria locale, ASL). There are 21 regional health authorities and about 200 local authorities in Italy. The Italian national healthcare service (SSN) is funded by national fees and provides universal coverage and free health service for all citizens. However, the quality of services in the North Italy is better when compared to the South and Islands. Hospitals are reimbursed by the SSN according to a national diagnosis-related group (DRG)-like system. Services provided in the post-acute care are usually delivered in hospitals. Rehabilitation care for the elderly is also provided in long-term hospitals, outpatient ambulatory settings, nursing homes, and residential and semi-residential homes. In the provision of long-term care, many different models are implemented in the different regions. It should be also underlined the role that family has in Italy in providing healthcare without receiving any kind of subsidy from the government.