In Italia 7 million caregivers: the documentary "Parole in cerca d'autore" arrives

More than 7 million people in Italy regularly care for a family member who is disabled, frail or affected by a chronic disease. These are the caregivers and about 75 per cent, an overwhelming majority, are women. Also important is the burden of caregiving on young people, who mainly take care of the ageing of previous generations in an increasingly elderly Italia: grandparents (42%) and parents (30%). Arriving on Amazon Prime Video, 'Parole in cerca d'autore', a necessary and touching work that puts the spotlight on the world of caregivers, an often silent, invisible, but essential reality in our society. Through a choral narration of more than 10 stories, the documentary explores the psychological challenges, the bureaucratic barriers and the extraordinary dedication of those who dedicate their lives to caring for a loved one. In Italia, the figure of the caregiver is not only a pillar of domestic welfare, but a real social necessity. This choice often falls on the shoulders of mothers, wives and daughters (the so-called sandwich generation), who find themselves having to balance work, private life and a caring load that can exceed 50 hours a week. The documentary highlights how the psychological impact is devastating: social isolation, burnout syndrome and a chronic lack of legal protection make the caregiver a key figure but, paradoxically, invisible in the eyes of the state. "Parole in cerca d'autore", produced by Telomero Produzioni with the unconditional contribution of Fondazione MSD, was presented yesterday evening in Rome at the Casa del Cinema.

In addition to the emotional dimension, the documentary also addresses the social issue. In fact, there is also the voice of those who strongly wanted and fought in the front line for a law of legal recognition and protection of the family caregiver. A commitment that finally led last January to the approval - amidst lights and shadows - by the government of a bill, now under parliamentary discussion.

"This is a fundamental issue, because from now on we have the possibility of having a ready regulatory framework, with certain resources that are already in the Budget Law, 257 million euro for family caregivers," said Alessandra Locatelli, Minister for Disabilities, in a video message. This is a law with differentiated protections, which also offers the possibility of an economic contribution for those who have an intense caring load and of targeted support that reconciles work and care. For young people, there is also the possibility of combining community service with caring and exemption from university fees. For working family carers, it will be possible to apply for part-time and agile work. For parents, it will be possible to both be recognised as caregivers, thus participating in the drawing up of their child's life project. We have waited a long time for this regulatory framework, which is a starting point that we must not let slip away'.

"Shining a light on the caregiver means recognising that behind often invisible figures there is the story of all of us, there is the very essence of being at the side of those in need," say Donatella Romani and Roberto Amato, authors of the documentary. 'Parole in cerca d'autore' wants to show how difficult the psychological burden of caring for a loved one is, but it also wants to celebrate the beauty of self-giving, that moment when care becomes the purest form of love and humanity. The documentary has the ambitious goal of raising public and institutional awareness. It is not just a tale of suffering, but a celebration of human resilience. Through the stories of those who live this reality every day, a portrait emerges of an Italia that resists thanks to the strength of family ties'.

listening to the needs of patients and their caregivers has given rise over the years to many projects of the MSD Foundation," says Marina Panfilo, director of the MSD Foundation. It was therefore natural for us to support this project made up of authentic stories and tales, capable of shining a spotlight on a heritage in the social-health field, unfortunately often forgotten, such as that of caregiving, which affects many families in our country. We hope that, also thanks to initiatives like this, figures who are fundamental to our society can be increasingly recognised and protected, also at the legislative level'.