BOLZANO. Based on the parameters, the number of operators is more than sufficient, but the reality is different: in nursing homes today, guests are increasingly serious and require greater assistance than in the past. For this reason, the Assb has started the discussion with the new provincial social councilor Rosmarie Pamer that should lead to the revision of the parameters. The next problem will be finding the staff.
Concerned family members
«I am very worried about the state of the “Villa Armonia” retirement home in Viale Trento. The healthcare workers, despite being very professional, fail to address the needs of the residents. The main reason is the shortage of staff. Even the physiotherapists who carry out a very important job for these patients are few. Pointing this out to the management, they reply that the number of operators is correct, because it is calculated based on the number of residents and not on the severity of the pathology they suffer from. To adapt these parameters to actual needs, an intervention from the provincial government would be needed.” The letter, signed by the wife of a guest suffering from Alzheimer’s and signed by other family members of elderly people at the retirement home in Viale Trento, raises the problem of the shortage of staff: perfectly in line with what is set by the provincial parameters; but not with reality. Since there are people behind the numbers.
More and more serious guests
«The provincial parameters – explains Liliana Di Fede, director of the Assb which manages the four municipal retirement homes – provide for one operator for every 2.55 guests; we have one every 2.10. Furthermore, the Municipality makes a wildcard operator available to each facility. I would add that, to lighten the work of the staff, the making of the beds is entrusted to an external company”.
However, it is not enough.
«It’s not enough because - compared to the past – today we stay at home for as long as possible. You only enter a retirement home when the situation worsens and the assistance of family members and carers is no longer enough. This requires greater commitment from our staff. For this reason we have started a discussion with the Province, in particular with councilor Pamer, to verify the possibility of reviewing the parameters”.
The problem will then be finding the staff.
«Unfortunately, this is the problem that all sectors now have to deal with. An attempt has been made to intervene in terms of both remuneration and training, but it is not enough. We need to think about going to train staff in other countries.”
How many beds are currently unused due to lack of staff?
«About forty out of a total of 400. But from next year we hope to be able to reassign them. We have to do it, because there are about 200 people on the waiting list.”
And how do you do it?
«We have decided that from January 1st the 24 beds for temporary admissions will be concentrated in Villa Armonia and will be managed by a social cooperative with which we have done a co-planning. This allows us to recover staff to reactivate the 40 beds that are currently kept closed.”
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Liliana Di Fede, Director of the Assb
Editor: Good morning, Liliana. Thank you for joining us today. There’s a significant concern regarding nursing homes, particularly in Bolzano. Your association has initiated discussions with the provincial government about revising the care parameters. Can you explain the current situation for us?
Liliana Di Fede: Good morning! Yes, the situation in nursing homes has become increasingly challenging. While the provincial parameters suggest that the staff-to-resident ratio is adequate, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Our residents are often facing more severe health challenges than in the past, and this increases the demand for intensive care.
Editor: Many family members have expressed their worries about the quality of care their loved ones are receiving. One letter you received mentioned that healthcare workers are struggling to meet the needs of the residents due to staff shortages. How do you respond to these concerns?
Liliana Di Fede: I understand and truly empathize with the families’ feelings. While our healthcare workers are highly professional and dedicated, the fact is that the number of staff is not aligned with the actual needs of residents, considering their health conditions. The provincial guidelines dictate staffing based on the number of residents, not the severity of their conditions. This discrepancy makes it challenging to provide the level of care that is truly needed.
Editor: It sounds like the demands on your staff are immense. You mentioned that the provincial parameters suggest one staff member for every 2.55 residents. How does that compare to what you currently have?
Liliana Di Fede: Our staffing is slightly better at one staff member for every 2.10 residents, and the Municipality does offer an additional wildcard operator per facility. However, with the rise in severity of medical conditions among the residents—many of whom are only admitted when all other care options have been exhausted—the current staffing levels remain insufficient.
Editor: Given these circumstances, what specific changes are you advocating for to address the staff-to-resident ratio?
Liliana Di Fede: We are advocating for a revision of the provincial parameters to take into account the severity of residents’ needs rather than just their number. Specifically, we would like to see a model that accurately reflects the increased level of care required. We are also looking for support in hiring additional staff. The reality is that we have to maintain a safe environment for both residents and staff, and right now, that is a significant challenge.
Editor: The families of residents are clearly concerned about the well-being of their loved ones. Do you believe there is a pathway to find more staff in the current climate?
Liliana Di Fede: Finding qualified staff is indeed a hurdle we’re facing. It requires a multi-faceted approach, including better working conditions, incentives for recruitment, and enhanced training programs to attract new talent to the field. We need systemic support from the provincial government to address this not just as a staffing issue, but as part of a broader strategy for elderly care in our community.
Editor: It’s clear there is much work to be done. What can family members do to support these changes?
Liliana Di Fede: Families can advocate for their loved ones by voicing their concerns to local government officials. Bringing attention to the need for better staffing and care ratios is essential. Collaboration between families, facilities, and government is crucial. Together, we can work towards creating a system that ensures the dignity and care that every resident deserves.
Editor: Thank you so much, Liliana, for your insights and dedication to this important issue. It’s a complex situation, but dialogue is an essential first step towards improvement.
Liliana Di Fede: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these important matters, and I hope we can see positive changes in the near future.