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When Care Becomes a Financial Burden: What Support Is Available?

Home care and support should not be prevented by costs that are unclear or financially burdensome. If your income, assets, or pension are insufficient, you can explore various support options.

Whether and what kind of assistance is available depends on your personal situation. It is therefore important to clarify early on which benefits are covered and where additional support may be available.

What types of support can be considered?

Supplementary Benefits to AHV or IV

Supplementary benefits can help if recognized expenses exceed eligible income. In addition, under certain conditions, costs for assistance, nursing care, and home care may be reimbursed, provided they are not already covered by insurance. The exact provisions vary by canton.

Disability Benefits

A disability allowance may be applicable if a person is permanently dependent on assistance with activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, getting out of bed, eating, or personal hygiene. It is paid as a monthly benefit and is not based on income or assets.

IV Assistance Allowance

The IV assistance allowance may be relevant for individuals who receive an IV helplessness allowance, live at home, and require regular support. It is intended to help them organize the necessary assistance on their own and live at home as independently as possible.

Municipality, social services, or counseling centers

If care costs are unaffordable, the local government, social services, or specialized counseling centers can also be important resources. They can help you determine what support options are available, what documents are required, and where to submit an application.

Claims must be resolved on a case-by-case basis

A young woman is sitting across from a therapist

Whether supplemental benefits, a long-term care allowance, an assistance allowance, or other forms of support are available depends on the specific benefit and the individual’s personal situation.

The eligibility requirements vary: For supplemental benefits, factors such as income, assets, and recognized expenses play a role. For the long-term care allowance, however, the degree of dependency is the deciding factor, not the financial situation.Depending on the policy ,supplemental insurance may also coverpart of the costs for services not covered by health insurance .

Therefore, it is important to assess on a case-by-case basis which support options are available.

 

How can SpitexCare help?

A SpitexCare staff member conducting a needs assessment with a client

SpitexCare cannot guarantee government-funded services. However, we can help you distinguish between services covered by insurance and those not covered, and provide a transparent breakdown of the costs of our services.

In addition, we will provide you with the necessary documentation regarding the Spitex services rendered if this is required by insurance companies or other agencies.

Are you unsure about what costs you might face?

During the needs assessment, we’ll work with you to determine what kind of support is needed and which services may be covered by insurance. This will give you a clearer picture of the services, potential costs, and next steps.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Assistance for Long-Term Care Costs

What can I do if I can't afford the Spitex costs?

If your pension or income is not enough to pay for in-home care, there are various forms of financial assistance available. These include supplemental benefits to the AHV or IV and the helplessness allowance. Your municipality or a social services agency can also help you determine whether you are eligible for these benefits.

Do supplemental benefits cover the costs of home care and assistance?

Yes, under certain conditions, supplemental benefits to the AHV or IV may cover the costs of assistance, nursing care, and support at home. One of the requirements is that the costs are not already covered by insurance. Which benefits are reimbursed also depends on cantonal regulations.

When am I eligible for a long-term care allowance?

You may be eligible for a disability allowance if you are permanently dependent on the help of others—for example, with getting dressed, eating, or personal hygiene. The key factor is the extent to which you are limited in your daily life. Your income and assets do not play a role in this determination.

Who is eligible to receive an IV assistance allowance?

The IV assistance allowance is intended for people who receive an IV helplessness allowance and require regular assistance. It enables them to hire personal assistants themselves so they can continue to live at home. However, it cannot be used to directly finance services provided by Spitex organizations.

Who can help me figure out my long-term care costs and what benefits I might be eligible for?

If you have questions about government assistance programs, you can contact the appropriate compensation office, IV office, or your municipality’s social services department. SpitexCare can help you determine your care needs and estimate the likely costs of our services. During a needs assessment , we ’ll discuss together what kind of support you need.