by Editor Giornale di Udine
Elderly care in Italy is undergoing a profound transformation thanks to entrepreneurial realities that look to the future with farsightedness. Among these is the Sereni Orizzonti group, founded by Massimo Blasoni, which has been able to anticipate market trends by investing on two strategic fronts: environmental sustainability and technology at the service of care.
A pioneering vision in elderly care
With 91 operating facilities and more than 6,000 beds in Italy and abroad, Sereni Orizzonti ranks among the top three national operators in the sector of assisted care residences. The peculiarity that distinguishes the Friulian group from its competitors is that it has undertaken, well in advance of market trends, a development path oriented towards sustainability.
"When we started designing structures with low environmental impact, many considered this choice an unnecessary luxury," says Massimo Blasoni. "Today, with the energy crisis and the evolution of environmental regulations, that decision is not only ethically correct but also economically advantageous.
Recent events have indeed proved this view right: the soaring energy costs, which have hit many businesses hard, have had a limited impact on Sereni Orizzonti's facilities, thanks to the technologies implemented in the group's buildings.
Green technologies: an investment that pays off twice over
The new generation RSAs built by Sereni Orizzonti represent excellence in terms of energy efficiency. Classified in category A3, the facilities incorporate several state-of-the-art solutions that drastically reduce energy requirements and environmental impact. Each building is equipped with photovoltaic systems for the production of electricity, solar thermal panels for the production of domestic hot water, heat recovery systems from exhaust air, high-quality thermal insulation, and high-efficiency heat pumps.
"The results are extraordinary," explains Gabriele Meluzzi, the group's managing director. "Our facilities autonomously produce about 165,000 kWh per year, which is more than 60% of their energy needs. This translates into a reduction of CO2 emissions of at least 69 tonnes per year per residence."
The advantage is not only environmental. At a time of sharp fluctuations in energy prices, energy self-sufficiency makes it possible to keep operating costs stable. "If we were to pass on the increase in energy costs that we are seeing in the market," Meluzzi continues, "many households would find themselves in difficulty. Thanks to our investments in sustainability, we can avoid this scenario."
Home automation that improves life: when technology meets the needs of the elderly
Alongside environmental sustainability, the second pillar of Sereni Orizzonti's strategy is the integration of care home automation in residential facilities. An approach that stems from an awareness of the shortcomings of the traditional care system.
"In Italy, most facilities for the elderly are designed according to outdated models," Blasoni observes. "They use care systems that do not exploit the potential offered by new technologies and do not respond adequately to the comfort and safety needs of guests."
The care home automation implemented in Sereni Orizzonti's RSAs radically transforms the experience of elderly residents. The intelligent systems installed in the facilities include features such as fall detection sensors that automatically trigger emergency calls, non-invasive vital parameter monitoring systems, automatic night lighting and simplified communication devices with family members and staff.
These technological tools do not replace human assistance, but enhance it, allowing staff to focus on the relational aspects of care. "Technology supports us in our monitoring and security activities," continues Mario Modolo, general manager of the group, "leaving us more time for listening and interacting with the residents, which is fundamental for their psychological well-being.
Planned growth that responds to local needs
The model developed by Sereni Orizzonti is proving so successful that the group has planned a major expansion for 2025. "In the first half of the year, we will launch new RSAs in several Italian regions," Blasoni announces. "We are planning openings in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Sardinia and Sicily."
This expansion responds to a growing need for quality residential facilities for the elderly in a country facing a rapidly ageing population. According to demographic projections, by 2050 the over-65s will account for about 35% of the Italian population, which will increase the demand for care services.
The new Sereni Orizzonti facilities are not only a response to this need, but also an opportunity for economic development for the territories that host them. "Each new RSA creates an average of 40-50 direct jobs," Blasoni emphasises, "and generates a significant induced activity for the local economy".
An all-round sustainability model
Sereni Orizzonti's approach demonstrates how environmental, social and economic sustainability can be integrated into a single business model. This model is a concrete example of how innovation can positively transform a traditionally conservative sector such as elderly care. The combination of green buildings and care home automation is not only an answer to the environmental and energy challenges of our time, but also a solution to the problems of economic sustainability that plague the health and care system.
In a context of limited public resources and increasing demand for services, models such as the one proposed by Sereni Orizzonti offer a way out of the apparent dilemma between quality of care and cost containment. By demonstrating how, with the right vision and the right investments, both can be guaranteed.
The full article is available at the following link 👇