[Census of experiences implemented during the Covid period in the Novara, vercelli, Vallemaggia and Locarno areas].

Abstract

. Experiences implemented during the Covid period in the Novara, Vercelli, Vallemaggia and Locarno areas.

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic promoted the organization of several initiatives for the elderly.

Aim: To map the local district initiatives for citizens >65 years active during the Covid pandemic in 3 districts of Piedmont and Ticino Canton.

Methods: The data were collected through interviews, contacting local Institutions, volunteer organisations and associations and through free research on the web and on institutional websites.

Results: The 26 interviews were conducted between August and September 2022: 16 in the Novara area, 4 in Vercelli and 6 in Canton Ticino. Forty-six initiatives were collected, mainly addressing social-healthcare needs, of which seven were already active in the pre-covid period; overall eight are still ongoing. The initiatives consisted of listening windows, home support (meals, shopping, face-masks, delivery of clean clothes to hospitalized patients). 31 were activated by public services with the collaboration of voluntary services.

Conclusions: The mapping of the initiatives showed their heterogeneity and the fundamental role of volunteering in guaranteeing the continuity of supporting services. These experiences should be consolidated over time by institutions and the public health service, enhancing the contribution of volunteers.