Glossary

A financial contribution paid by the IV (disability insurance) or the AHV (old-age and survivors’ insurance, OASI) to people with disabilities or who are in need of help. It can help to fund care.

A form of home care in which a qualified caregiver lives in the household of the person being cared for and provides support around the clock.

A credit to the AHV (OASI) account of people who care for relatives receiving a helplessness allowance, provided those relatives live within easy reach (no more than 30 km or one hour away). It is not paid out, but increases your own AHV pension later on. The basis is AHV leaflet 1.03.

Financial support for people on low incomes that helps to cover basic needs. It can also be used towards the cost of care.

A legally problematic practice in which caregivers are sent to Switzerland by companies based abroad. For private households, this is usually not legal.

Financial support from the IV or AHV for people who depend on help because of a disability or illness. It is paid at different levels (mild, moderate, severe).

Services such as cooking, cleaning and laundry, which are taken on by caregivers. Some of these can be covered by supplementary health insurance.

A form of 24-hour care in which the caregiver lives in the household of the person being cared for.

A legal form of arranging care in which caregivers are employed by a Swiss company (with a SECO licence) and placed with private households. This is the legal alternative to the problematic practice of posting workers.

Support with everyday tasks such as personal hygiene, mobility and running the household. This is provided by caregivers, while medical nursing care is provided by Spitex.

An official licence for personnel leasing issued by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Only companies holding this licence may legally place caregivers with private households.

Short for “spitalexterne Pflege”, meaning care outside hospital – professional outpatient nursing and support services in Switzerland. Spitex provides medical nursing care, while caregivers help with everyday tasks.

An illegal practice in which caregivers are declared self-employed even though they are in fact employees. This means social security contributions and insurance are not paid.

Voluntary health insurance that can be taken out in addition to compulsory basic health insurance. Some supplementary insurance policies contribute towards household services.