Care placement in Switzerland: support for people in need of care and their families

A professional care placement service can be an enormous relief for people in need of care and their families. In Switzerland, these service providers play a central role by analysing individual care needs and offering individual solutions. From placing qualified carers to organising Spitex (home care) services – they ensure that those affected receive the best possible care.

A care placement service not only helps you find suitable carers, but also advises on choosing the right form of care. It also supports family members in applying for financial assistance, such as the helplessness allowance of the AHV/IV (Swiss old-age and survivors’ insurance / disability insurance) or supplementary benefits.

Types of care placement in Switzerland

Care placement services offer various forms of care based on the individual needs of the person requiring care. Here are the most common options:

Home care

With home care, the person in need of care stays at home and receives professional support there from Spitex organisations. This form is ideal for people who only need partial help and want to continue living independently.

Inpatient care

Inpatient care takes place in care homes or specialised facilities. It offers round-the-clock care and medical treatment for people with a high level of care needs.

Short-term care

Short-term care is a flexible solution for temporary care needs, for example after a hospital stay or while family caregivers are on holiday.

24-hour care

24-hour care provides continuous care in your own home. The carers live with the person in need of care and are available around the clock.

Choosing the right form of care depends on factors such as the degree of care required, personal preferences and financial means. A care placement service helps to find the right solution.

Pros and cons: the forms of care compared

Choosing the right form of care depends not only on the needs of the person requiring care, but also on the pros and cons of each option. Here is an overview:

Home care

• Advantages:
  • The person in need of care stays in familiar surroundings.
  • Care can be flexibly adapted to the daily routine.
  • Often less expensive than inpatient care.
• Disadvantages:
  • Care times are limited, as the carers are not on site around the clock.
  • There is less social interaction than in an inpatient facility.
  • Often requires the active involvement of family members.

Inpatient care

• Advantages:
  • Round-the-clock care and medical treatment.
  • Social contact and activities within the facility.
  • Professional and specialised carers.
• Disadvantages:
  • The loss of the home environment can be distressing.
  • Higher costs compared with home care.
  • Care is less individual than with 24-hour care.

Short-term care

• Advantages:
  • Flexible for short-term care needs, e.g. after a hospital stay.
  • Relief for family caregivers.
  • Can be provided at home or in a facility.
• Disadvantages:
  • Not always available immediately.
  • A settling-in period may be necessary.
  • Often more expensive than home care.

24-hour care

• Advantages:
  • Continuous care and support in your own home.
  • Individual and personal care.
  • Familiar surroundings are preserved.
• Disadvantages:
  • High costs.
  • Lack of privacy due to the carer’s presence.
  • The quality of care can vary depending on the carer.

How does care placement work?

To ensure that people in need of care receive the best possible care, the following steps are necessary:

1. Assessing care needs: the first step is a detailed needs analysis. This records the health situation, the medical requirements and the personal wishes of the person in need of care. This analysis forms the basis for selecting the right care services.
2. Selecting care staff: based on the needs analysis, suitable care staff are selected. Attention is paid not only to professional qualifications, but also to ensuring that the carer is a good personal match for the person in need of care. This creates a relationship of trust, which is crucial for well-being.
3. Drawing up the contract: once the staff have been selected, all legal and financial aspects are clarified. The contract covers working hours, care services, remuneration and notice periods. A transparent contract ensures legal certainty and clarity.
4. Support and follow-up: even after care has begun, the care placement service remains an important point of contact. Regular checks and feedback meetings ensure that the quality of care meets the agreed standards and that adjustments can be made if necessary.

What should you look for when choosing a care placement service?

These tips will help you find the right care placement service:

• Staff qualifications: pay attention to the training and experience of the carers.
• Size of the organisation: pay attention to the number of qualified employees of the provider; size ensures continuity
• Range of services: ask which services are offered and whether individual care plans are drawn up.
• Costs and financing: find out about the cost structure and possible financing options, e.g. through health insurance.
• Contract terms: check the contract details carefully, especially notice periods and the scope of services.
• Testimonials: read reviews and ask for references so that you can assess the quality of the care placement service.
• Communication: check how easy it is to reach the care placement service and how quickly it responds to enquiries.

Current challenges in the care sector

Care placement faces a number of challenges that need to be overcome:

• Shortage of skilled staff: the demand for qualified care staff exceeds supply, which can lead to existing staff being overworked.
• Financing: the costs of care services are often high, and the financing options are complex.
• Quality assurance: regular checks and certifications are necessary to guarantee the quality of care.

The important role of family members in care

Family caregivers play an important role in care placement. They provide personal and familiar care that complements and relieves professional care services such as Spitex organisations or care homes. Their support ranges from help with eating and personal hygiene to mobilisation, dressing and undressing, and housekeeping. General care, such as accompanying the person in everyday life or providing emotional support, is also part of their role.

This kind of care has numerous advantages: it is flexible, individual and takes place in familiar surroundings. At the same time, it relieves professional care services and helps people in need of care to maintain a high quality of life.

In Switzerland, there are ways to pay family caregivers, for example through employment with a family care Spitex such as pflegehero. This recognises their important role and at the same time provides financial support. This allows family members to better combine their care tasks with their own everyday lives.