Vulnerability can emerge suddenly or develop gradually, accompanied by the awareness that one can no longer independently manage certain aspects of one's own life or that of a family member. In either case, knowing the legal and social tools available is essential to protect rights, autonomy and dignity. It is from this concrete need that the Vidas information helpdesk dedicated to the Amministrazione di Sostegno was born — a service designed to support people facing temporary or permanent difficulties.

According to Chiara Moraca and Nicolò Merola, legal professionals at Vidas who run the service, this form of protection can have a significant impact on life choices. During consultations, they explain, many people ask the same question: «What can I do if I am no longer able to independently manage my daily activities?». In these cases, they say, the Amministrazione di Sostegno «can be a concrete answer» to the uncertainties surrounding the loss of independence.

What is the Amministrazione di Sostegno

Introduced in 2004, the Amministrazione di Sostegno (AdS) is a legal instrument that allows for targeted support to be provided to those who are no longer able to look after their own needs independently, while respecting the dignity and wishes of the person concerned. It can be requested not only in the presence of cognitive impairment, but also in cases of significant physical difficulties or when there is a concern about facing complex decisions alone.

Who is the Amministratore di Sostegno and what do they do

The Amministratore di Sostegno is the figure appointed to assist the beneficiary in carrying out specific acts they are no longer able to perform independently. This is a meaningful presence during moments that are often delicate from a human, medical and financial perspective, with a role defined by a judge according to the person's actual needs.

When and how is the Amministrazione di Sostegno used

The AdS is frequently used to protect elderly people who can no longer manage their own financial affairs, but the range of cases is very broad. It may concern people with mental illness or psychological impairments — such as psychiatric conditions, intellectual disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, addiction or behavioural disorders — as well as people with physical illnesses, for example following a stroke, degenerative diseases, oncological conditions or terminal illness.

How the Vidas AdS helpdesk works

The VIDAS helpdesk offers free consultations both to provide general information and to offer hands-on support to those wishing to initiate the Amministrazione di Sostegno procedure: from the necessary forms to assistance completing documents, through to guidance towards qualified professionals.

The aim is to ease the bureaucratic and emotional burden that often weighs on vulnerable people and their carers. As Chiara Moraca emphasises, the helpdesk aims above all to be a place for listening and guidance: «This too is a way of caring: helping people make informed choices and making simpler what sometimes seems insurmountable».

By opening this service to the public, Vidas helps to raise greater awareness of protective tools that can concretely improve the quality of life of individuals and families.

The helpdesk is open one afternoon per week, with the possibility of extending hours or arranging meetings in person or online.
To book an appointment:
[email protected]
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