24-hour senior care at home in Switzerland

Palliative care and palliative nursing at home

Dignified support and quality of life – in familiar surroundings.

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Palliative care supports people with a progressive, incurable illness. The focus is not on curing the illness but on the best possible quality of life: relieving symptoms, providing security and offering dignified support – for the family as well. Many people want to spend this time at home. This guide explains what palliative care means and how support at home can work.

What does palliative care mean?

Palliative care is a holistic approach that takes physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs into account. The aim is to relieve pain and distressing symptoms and to enable the person to live as independently and self-determined a life as possible. Medical palliative nursing belongs in professional hands – the GP, specialist palliative care services and Spitex (home nursing service) work closely together.

Palliative support at home

For someone to spend the last phase of life at home, a reliable network is needed: medical palliative nursing by professionals, help with everyday life and respite for the family. This is where 24-hour care comes in: a caregiver is present around the clock, ensures peace, safety and companionship in everyday life, and works hand in hand with Spitex and the treating professionals.

To find out how we support people during this sensitive time, see Palliative support. For an overview of what we offer, see our care services.

Frequently asked questions about palliative care

Palliative care is holistic support for people with a progressive, incurable illness. The aim is the best possible quality of life through relieving symptoms and providing emotional and social support – for the person who is ill and for their family.

Palliative care is the overarching, holistic approach. Palliative nursing refers to the nursing part of it – such as pain and symptom relief provided by professionals. The two complement each other.

Yes. With a network of specialist palliative nursing, Spitex and everyday care, the last phase of life can often be spent at home. 24-hour care ensures someone is always there and takes pressure off the family.

Medical palliative nursing is provided by the GP, specialist palliative care services and Spitex. seniorencare24 coordinates everyday care with these professionals.

A caregiver is present around the clock, supports everyday life, ensures safety and calm and takes pressure off the family. Prices start at CHF 5’080 per month (5 days a week) or CHF 7’530 per month (7 days a week); nursing care is coordinated with Spitex.

Sources

Last updated: November 2026

More guides on senior care

Overview: Guide to care at home