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The Community
of Sant�Egidio, besides Italy has spread its solidarity with the
elderly with more articulate programs in the following continents:
in Europe: Germany, Belgium, Switzerland,
France, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Czech
Republic; in the Americas: USA, Argentina, San
Salvador, Guatemala; in Africa: Mozambique,
Ivory Coast, Cameroon.
The fundamental
characteristic of our service is an appreciation of
the elderly age and a willingness to accompany and
remain close to the elderly�s weakness in a faithful and affectionate
way. The friendship
expressed by those who are younger is a concrete and daily sign of the alliance of
the Community with the elderly. It is the key
that allows one to face complex problems arisen from
marginalisation, physical and psychological dependency, loneliness. This friendship
also prevents thousands of elderly from abandonment,
social exclusion and institutionalisation.
Overall, the elderly looked after by the Community in Italy
alone are about 15,000. Another 4,000 are reached in other European
countries.
More than 60% of
these elderly are helped to live in their own homes with
assistance for their daily activities. About 40% are reached in
the nursing homes where they reside.
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