Care Law Update: What Changes for Family Caregivers in 2025 and 2026
Swiss care law is constantly evolving. The years 2025 and 2026 bring several relevant changes for family caregivers. This article summarises the most important changes and explains what they mean for your situation.
Strengthening the Rights of Family Caregivers
Since the Federal Court ruling of 2019, the rights of family caregivers in Switzerland have been significantly strengthened. The key points:
- Right to compensation: Family caregivers are entitled to a regular salary through Spitex employment. The costs are covered by the health insurance.
- Care leave: Since 2021, employees are entitled to up to 3 days of paid leave per event for the care of family members (max. 10 days per year).
- Care credits: Those who care for family members are entitled to AHV care credits, which increase their future pension.
Changes in Care Financing
Care financing has been adjusted in recent years. Health insurers continue to cover the costs of medically necessary care services under the KLV. Tariffs are regularly updated:
Basic care (KLV Art. 7 Para. 2 Let. c)
Maximum tariff: CHF 52.60/hr (long-term care). Includes personal hygiene, meals, dressing, mobility.
Treatment care (KLV Art. 7 Para. 2 Let. b)
Maximum tariff: CHF 63.00/hr (long-term care). Includes medication, wound care, injections.
Assessment and counselling (KLV Art. 7 Para. 2 Let. a)
Maximum tariff: CHF 76.90/hr (long-term care). Includes needs assessment and care planning.
Care Initiative and Its Consequences
The Care Initiative was accepted by Swiss voters in 2021. Implementation takes place in two stages:
- Stage 1 (from 2024): Training offensive with more study places and training grants for nursing professionals.
- Stage 2 (in preparation): Improvement of working conditions in care, including better wages and more flexible work models.
For family caregivers, this means better availability of specialists and potentially higher tariffs in the long term. Learn more about your rights as a family caregiver.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you care for a family member, you should check the following:
- Are you entitled to compensation for your care activities?
- Are you already receiving care credits for your AHV?
- Has the person in need of care applied for a helplessness allowance?
- Do you know the salary you are entitled to?
Use our salary calculator to calculate your entitlement for free. The consultation is non-binding.
Do you care for a family member?
Check for free whether you are entitled to compensation of up to CHF 51,900 per year.