Increasing competition: remuneration for family caregivers in Switzerland

In Switzerland, there is a growing number of companies that specialise in employing and remunerating family carers. This development has led to strong competition, particularly in the area of salary payments. However, the question arises as to whether this practice fulfils the original aims of the initiative or whether it merely leads to commercial exploitation of a well-intentioned policy.

2 Personen zeihen an einem Seil, das zu reissen droht

Growing competition and its effects

Some companies actively advertise attractive hourly wages, updated weekly, to attract family caregivers. While this competition has led to higher wages, it has also raised concerns about the sustainability and quality of care. According to a report by Helvetic Care , the distinction between outpatient and inpatient care is in the process of disappearing, with family caregivers playing an increasingly central role.

Criticism of current practice

Critics, including representatives of non-profit organizations, express concerns that the intense focus on wage payments is overshadowing the more comprehensive support and training that family caregivers need. There are fears that the quality of care could suffer if financial incentives overshadow the professional and ethical dimension. The Association of Nonprofit Spitex, for example, warns against a "proliferation" of such companies and calls for stricter requirements for the granting of Spitex licenses in order to ensure that the services offered actually meet the needs of those in need of care and their relatives.

Financing and transparency

These wage payments are largely financed by health insurance companies and partly by the public sector. However, there are big differences in how much each canton contributes, as Caritas Care reports, adding another layer of complexity as some companies benefit from the more generous terms offered in some regions, raising questions about fairness and equality.

How legislators can improve support for carers:

It is crucial that stakeholders and legislators address these developments and take action to ensure that support for carers is both equitable and sustainable. The initiative should not only aim to address financial needs, but also to ensure the quality of care and well-being of carers and their families.

In light of these developments, a careful review and possible adaptation of the policy framework is required to ensure that support for carers remains true to its original objectives and does not become a purely profit-driven endeavor.