Home care: ATLaS takes to the streets in Bellinzona on 18 April
The Canton of Ticino plans to transfer up to 450 francs per year to patients. ATLaS calls the measure 'unacceptable' and is calling for a protest in Piazza Collegiata.
Contesto
The Ticino government has announced a cost-saving measure for home care that will transfer up to 450 francs per year to patients. A decision that the Ticino Association for Social Work (ATLaS) has branded as 'unacceptable' and 'a breach of democratic discourse', stressing that it was made despite appeals from sector organizations, social partners, and 20,000 citizens. According to ATLaS, this choice represents a step backward in terms of population well-being and care, while undermining the rights of patients and their caregivers. Home care, the association argues, is not just a medical necessity but also a 'fundamental support' for ensuring a good quality of life for those who remain in their own homes. The measure, warns the association, risks having the opposite effect: to maintain their quality of life, people may cut back on care to a minimum, leading to a decline in service quality and a race against time for operators, who would be forced to do 'as much as possible in less time'. ### A 'two-tier' measure ATLaS denounces the creation of a 'double standard based solely on economic criteria': on one side, those who can afford their right to self-determination and a satisfactory life, and on the other, those in financial difficulty who cannot. The association also highlights the impact on family caregivers, likely leading to increased pressure and health risks for them, as well as growing difficulties in balancing work, family, and free time. ### ATLaS’s response: mobilization and demonstration In response to this decision, ATLaS has called on the public to join the demonstration on April 18 at 3 p.m. in Piazza Collegiata in Bellinzona. The goal is to amplify the voices of those who daily face the challenges of Ticino’s healthcare system and urge the government to...
Dettagli operativi
For cross-border workers employed in Ticino who have family members receiving home care, this measure could have tangible consequences on the daily management of their loved ones' health. Under the current system, home care services are fully or partially covered by public funds, with user contributions varying based on income and family situation. With the introduction of a fixed contribution of up to 450 francs per year, many families may be forced to reassess their expenses, potentially impacting the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. ### Before vs. after: what changes for families Prior to the new measure, home care costs were shared between the Canton, municipalities, and the user, with support mechanisms for the most vulnerable. Now, with increased out-of-pocket expenses for patients, there is a risk of creating disparities between those who can afford high-quality care and those who will have to reduce services or forgo essential treatments. For example, a family with a non-self-sufficient elderly member might have to choose between paying the 450-franc contribution and reducing nurse home visits, directly affecting the relative’s health. ### Impact on caregivers: more pressure, less time Family members caring for their loved ones could face a double challenge: on one hand, higher care expenses; on the other, the need to dedicate more time to assistance, potentially affecting their work and personal health. ATLaS highlights how this situation risks "giving rise to additional costs," both socially and economically—such as increased demand for social services or a deterioration in caregivers’ own health conditions. ### A worrying outlook for the future If the measure is implemented, Ticino will face a dilemma: on one side, short-term savings on an...
Punti chiave
If the new home care cost measures are confirmed, Ticinese citizens and cross-border workers living in the canton will have several tools at their disposal to defend their rights and seek clarification from the relevant authorities. Here’s what to do, step by step. ### Step 1: Take part in the demonstration on 18 April ATLaS has organised a public demonstration on 18 April at 3 p.m. in Piazza Collegiata, Bellinzona. The goal is to collect signatures, present a petition and urge the Ticino government to withdraw the measure. Anyone interested can attend to make their voice heard. ### Step 2: Contact local political representatives Citizens can write to their representatives in the Ticino Grand Council, the health councillors and members of the State Council, requesting explanations about the reasoning behind the decision and its consequences for families. The email addresses of Ticino politicians can be found on the official Grand Council website. ### Step 3: Seek clarification from ATLaS The Ticino Association for Social Work (ATLaS) is available to provide additional information and support to those opposing the measure. You can contact the association via its official website or social channels to receive updates on ongoing initiatives. ### Step 4: Explore alternatives for home care If the measure comes into force, families may need to look for alternatives to reduce home care costs. Some options include: - Checking if you are eligible for subsidies or concessions for home care. - Contacting your local municipality to inquire about any local support. - Considering joining supplementary health insurance funds, if available. ### Step 5: Monitor regulatory developments The measure has not yet come into force: ATLaS is urging the government to reconsider its position...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the details of the measure on home care costs?
- The Canton of Ticino proposes transferring up to **450 francs per year** to patients as a cost-saving measure. This decision has been criticized by ATLaS for its impact on the quality of care and on families' lives, as well as for failing to listen to social partners and citizens.
- Who will be most affected by this measure?
- Families with low to middle incomes and patients requiring frequent home care will be the hardest hit. ATLaS warns of the risk of creating a ‘double standard’ between those who can afford care and those who cannot, with consequences for public health.
- What is ATLaS asking the Ticino Government to do?
- ATLaS is calling on the Ticino Government to withdraw the measure, describing it as an ‘unacceptable’ decision that threatens the well-being of the population and patients’ rights. The association is also inviting the public to attend the demonstration on 18 April to make their voices heard.
- How can I take part in the 18 April demonstration?
- The demonstration is scheduled for **18 April at 3 pm in Piazza Collegiata in Bellinzona**. ATLaS is inviting all citizens and cross-border workers living in Ticino to join the protest against the home care cost measure.
- What can I do if the measure comes into force?
- If the measure is confirmed, it is possible to check whether you are eligible for subsidies or municipal benefits for home care. It is also useful to contact your local council or ATLaS for support and information on possible alternatives to reduce the financial impact.