In Italy, a caregiver is often called a badante. This is not just a “household helper”. In many families, this person helps an elderly person continue living in a familiar home environment: getting up, eating, taking medication, going for walks, and not being left alone.
This job is suitable for people with patience, a calm character, and readiness to follow the daily rhythm of a family. Physical stamina matters. But trust matters even more.
The most common format in Italy is a live-in caregiver. The worker lives in the home or apartment of the person being cared for, helps with daily life, and follows the agreed schedule. Hourly work without accommodation also exists, but it is usually less convenient for foreign workers at the start.
Duties may include:
If the person has dementia, limited mobility, or requires night presence, the conditions must be especially clear. That is a different level of responsibility.
Italian is highly desirable. Even a basic level helps with understanding the family, doctor, pharmacy, everyday requests, and the person’s condition. Starting without the language is possible only in some cases, and the choice of vacancies will be much smaller.
It is important to separate care duties from general domestic work. A caregiver may cook, keep the cared-for person’s area clean, and help with their laundry. But this does not always mean cleaning the whole house or serving the entire family. Boundaries should be clarified before departure.
In Italy, pay rates for domestic workers and caregivers are based on the national collective agreement. In 2026, minimum references for live-in workers depend on the level: for example, level C Super is listed at 1193.84 € per month, and level D Super at 1474.73 € per month. For non-live-in workers, hourly rates in 2026 tables may start from around 7-10 € depending on the level.
Before applying, check the schedule, days off, night duties, the person’s condition, housing, meals, exact duties, and contract type. A job portal makes it convenient to compare caregiver vacancies in Italy by work format, language level, pay, accommodation, and the condition of the person being cared for. This makes it easier to find a vacancy where expectations are clear before work begins.