A
ugust: a month of holidays and vacations for most of the population; at least that's what the statistics say, along with the crowded streets and tourist destinations, seaside and mountains alike. There's a great need to "unplug" from the daily routine of work, social commitments, family, problems, fatigue, stress. Yes, it's a human need shared by everyone, a need for survival, so to speak, because the pace of life can be hard and tiring. But there are those who, despite needing it badly, cannot "unplug," cannot close up the house and go somewhere comfortable and relaxing. There are those who cannot, because quietly, without making noise, hidden away in their own homes, they do work that goes unseen and unacknowledged: they care for one or more family members who are ill, who have significant disabilities, who struggle with psycho-physical distress, and so on. It's deeply human work, dignified and important, because if it weren't done, millions of people would be left to fend for themselves, or shut away in public or private institutions. And that would be far too costly for the community to bear. This much is not in dispute. These people who care for their family members are called family caregivers, and in Italy there are many of us—seven million, it seems, perhaps more. We don't go on vacation. We don't unplug in August; quite the opposite, in fact. We're burdened with even more, because social and healthcare services, where they exist, are on holiday, so as caregivers we have to manage on our own.
It's true we're not the only ones who don't get a holiday; today the cost of living is unfortunately high, and many can't afford such luxuries. But it's equally true that our society lacks the projects and investments needed to promote human wellbeing, especially to protect and support the most vulnerable. Personally, I don't have grand desires, no big vacations or demanding trips in mind, partly because years spent caring for your loved ones lead you to give up everything—even giving up