In 2023, on behalf of the Office for the Elderly and Care at Home (UACD), Pro Senectute Ticino and Moesano commissioned the Centro competenze anziani (CCA) of the Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI) to conduct a study with the aim of analysing the profile of users, understanding their motivations for using the service, assessing its impact in terms of quality of life, autonomy and maintenance at home, and investigating the service's role as a 'social antenna'.

Data from the Pro Senectute database containing information on active users between 2006 and 2023 were analysed. In addition, a survey was conducted among 806 users and 557 family members using a standardised questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were carried out with a sample of 28 users and 22 family members to explore certain topics.

Study results in brief

The results of the study, presented in the final report, highlight several interesting aspects. The main users are the 'senior citizens' (over 80 years old) and 60% of the users receive their meals almost daily, with a median duration of use of five months.

The service is activated mainly because of health problems or loss of autonomy, but also following events such as the loss of a spouse or in emergency situations (e.g. pandemic). User satisfaction is high, with 93% expressing a high degree of appreciation for the service. The service contributes to physical wellbeing, eases the burden on family members and is a fundamental pillar in encouraging the elderly to stay at home: for 75% of users (and an even higher percentage of family members), it helps to postpone or avoid entering a home for the elderly.

For many, the service is also an important opportunity for social interaction, thanks to the direct contact with the employees who deliver the meals. This helps to reduce the isolation of users and reassures family members regarding the prevention of possible distress and accidents.

An unexpected result worthy of further investigation that emerged repeatedly from the participants' words concerned the 'convenience' of the service. Comfort in the sense of concrete support to cope with frailty, which in old age makes certain everyday gestures such as shopping and cooking increasingly difficult. The service is also 'convenient' because it saves time and energy, which can be devoted to other more rewarding domestic or personal activities.

For more information:

Finale Report (in italian)