Rolf Bona & Sabina Crameri

The desire to live in one’s own home for as long as possible is widespread among older people. As the largest provider of emergency call solutions in Switzerland, and drawing on our many years of market experience since 2010, we were able to conduct a study confirming that, on average, seniors in Switzerland who use an emergency call device move into a nursing or residential care home 3.4 years later than the Swiss average. This has not only emotional and health benefits, but also significant financial implications — both for those affected and for their relatives.

1. Costs: Residential Care Home

A place in a residential care home in Switzerland costs an average of CHF 6,500 to CHF 12,000 per month, depending on the canton, level of care required and facilities provided. This amounts to CHF 78,000 to CHF 144,000 per year. Over a period of 3.4 years, this results in total costs of approximately CHF 265,000 to CHF 490,000

Breakdown of Residential Care Home Costs

• Accommodation and meals: CHF 4,124 (40%)
• Care services (LAMal-covered care): CHF 4,401 (43%)
• Support and assistance: CHF 1,529 (15%)
• Other costs: CHF 162 (2%)

Residents’ share of the costs: Since the public sector and health insurance only cover part of the costs, residents or their relatives have to bear an average of 42% of the total costs themselves. This corresponds to approximately CHF 3,654 per month, or around CHF 150,000 over 3.4 years.

2. Financing Residential Care

The financing of a residential care place is generally structured as follows:

• People with substantial financial assets: Generally pay the costs themselves.
• People with a medium income: May apply for supplementary benefits.
• People with low income and limited assets: May receive government assistance.

Role of Relatives
In Switzerland, there is generally no direct legal obligation for relatives to finance the costs. However, under certain circumstances, relatives may be required to contribute to the financing.

Yes, if:

• Significant gifts have been made within the previous 10 years and may be reclaimed by the state. This includes gifts exceeding CHF 10,000 per year or a total amount of more than CHF 40,000 to CHF 50,000. Transfers of real estate or advances on inheritance may also be considered gifts and may be subject to recovery by the social welfare authorities if supplementary benefits or social assistance are applied for.
• The child earns more than CHF 120,000 gross per year and the person concerned receives social assistance.

No, if:

• The person has sufficient personal financial resources or receives supplementary benefits.
• The costs are covered through AHV pension payments, occupational pension funds or private savings.

Importance for Municipalities: Every month that a person is able to remain at home for longer reduces the cost of institutional care and eases the burden on municipal budgets. The widespread use of emergency call solutions therefore not only contributes to the safety and independence of older people, but also has a positive impact on the wider economy.

3. Alternative: Emergency Call Solution as a Cost-Effective Safety Measure

By comparison, the cost of a high-quality emergency call solution from SmartLife Care is only a fraction of these expenses. Depending on the model selected, the monthly cost ranges from CHF 33 to CHF 49, corresponding to CHF 396 to CHF 588 per year.

Savings: By avoiding or postponing a place in a residential care home and making use of alternative care arrangements, seniors and their relatives can save approximately CHF 150,000 in out-of-pocket costs. At the same time, an emergency call solution enables people to remain in their own homes for longer, which can have a positive impact on their quality of life.

4. Preventing the Need for Long-Term Care Through Rapid Assistance

Falls are one of the most common causes of permanent dependency on care. People who remain without assistance for an extended period after a fall face a higher risk of complications and secondary illnesses that may ultimately make a move into residential care unavoidable. An emergency call solution ensures that help can be provided immediately in an emergency — often before a serious deterioration in health occurs.

5. Greater Financial Flexibility for Future Needs

The money saved by remaining at home for longer can be put to meaningful use — for example, for adaptations to the home, support from mobile home-care services, or leisure activities that enhance quality of life in old age. Alternatively, these savings can be passed on to the next generation as an inheritance.

Conclusion: Financial Security Through a Self-Determined Life

A modern emergency call solution is more than just a safety net — it is a smart financial decision:

• High residential care costs can be avoided or postponed.
• Relatives are relieved of financial pressure and gain greater planning certainty.
• Personal assets remain available for longer instead of being consumed by care costs.
• Seniors enjoy greater independence and quality of life in their own homes.

Sources

• Federal Statistical Office (2023). Care Costs in Residential and Nursing Care Homes. Available online: www.bfs.admin.ch
• Pflegehilfe Schweiz (2023). How Much Does a Residential Care Home Cost per Month — and What Are the Alternatives? Available online: www.pflegehilfe.ch
• Swiss Conference for Social Welfare (SKOS) (2022). Guidelines on the Financing of Residential and Nursing Care Homes. Available online: www.skos.ch
• SmartLife Care (2024). Staying Safe at Home with Modern Emergency Call Technology. Available online: www.smartlife-care.ch
• Swiss Television SRF (2023). The Differences in Residential Care Costs Are Enormous. Available online: www.srf.ch
• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) (2023). Cost Coverage in Long-Term Care. Available online: www.bag.admin.ch