The CARESWELL Project on professional well-being in elderly care

As Europe’s population ages, the demand for elder care services intensifies, necessitating a comprehensive examination of the caregiving landscape. This study, part of the CARESWELL project, responds to this urgent need by investigating the dynamics of care provision, particularly the roles of professional caregivers and their well-being. The project conducts a nationwide survey targeting diverse professional caregivers, including nurses, social health workers, and therapists. A seven-point Likert scale structured questionnaire collects data on work dynamics, caregiver stress, communication, and technology’s role in caregiving. Preliminary results will illuminate strengths and weaknesses in Italy’s elder care system, providing valuable insights for professionals and policymakers. Additionally, qualitative Interviews with employers and trade union representatives will enhance our understanding of the challenges faced by caregivers, revealing the impact of societal factors such as family structure changes, labour market dynamics, and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. The Ecological Systems Theory (EST) underpins the theoretical framework, emphasising the multifaceted influences on caregiver well-being across individual, microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem levels. The findings aim to inform interventions and policy initiatives that promote the sustainability and efficacy of caregiving in an ageing society. By acknowledging and addressing the complexities of caregiver experiences, this research seeks to contribute to a future where caregivers and the elderly receive the support necessary for improved quality of life.