Home care for MS: when is there a right to support?

When are you actually considered to be in need of care?

Many people with MS wait too long to organize support - but the need for care often begins before you are severely restricted.

Care does not automatically mean "nursing home": even small, targeted interventions at home increase safety and quality of life. And early advice also prevents overload - for you and your family.

How is the need for care with MS determined?

The need for care is assessed by a Spitex nurse. This is often done using the RAI-HC (Resident Assessment Instrument - Home Care).

The following criteria are important:

• Personal hygiene (e.g. when showering)

• mobilization

• Administration of medication

• Help with nutrition

• Observation and guidance

The result is then a service plan that specifies how often and for how long interventions are appropriate. The care requirement is calculated according to time:

• < 20 minutes -> CHF 65.40

• 21 - 40 minutes -> CHF 98.10

• 41+ minutes -> CHF 130.70

It is important to note that it varies from canton to canton, as there are cantonal regulations and tariffs. This must be clarified in advance.

Who pays what? Overview of benefits

In principle, compulsory health insurance (OKP) pays for the medical part of care in accordance with the ordinance - for example, administering medication, wound care, instructions.

Housekeeping, travel allowances, administration and coordination are usually paid for by the patient. Or they can be co-financed via supplementary benefits (EL) and helplessness allowance (IV/AHV). It is important to clarify who will be responsible and what I will have to pay. In the end, a decision is made as to what counts as care and what counts as home help.

Involve relatives - up to and including employment

Many relatives provide care informally - often unpaid and without security. It doesn't have to stay that way. Relatives can be employed by SpitexCare:

• with a salary

• with social insurance

• with professional support and relief

This protects the relatives and offers the following advantages:

• No overload and risk of burnout

• Relationship remains at eye level

• Financial relief for the family

You can find all further information in this blog post.

When is the right time for support?

There are typical warning signs for people with MS that need to be taken seriously. The following signals can help you recognize them:

• Fatigue increases

• Stumbling, falls

• Household chores are left undone

• Medication is forgotten

At this point at the latest, it's worth taking advantage of a free initial consultation. You can also start small and expand if necessary instead of slipping into an emergency solution too late.

You are not alone - accept help, get fair protection

The need for care often begins gradually with MS - support is possible long before someone is considered a "care case". If you organize early, you protect your health, nerves and relationships - and take advantage of the benefits you are entitled to. You don't have to do it alone:

• Have your care needs assessed without obligation (a short initial consultation is sufficient).

• Start small, tailor-made assignments and expand if necessary.

• Involve relatives fairly - with support, salary and social insurance where possible.

Contact us and arrange a non-binding assessment - this is how you can ensure tomorrow's quality of life today.