Telecare in Switzerland: How Technology Supports Home Care

Telecare (also known as telenursing) refers to the use of digital communication technologies in care. It enables nursing professionals and Spitex organisations to support patients and their families remotely. Telecare does not replace personal care but complements it meaningfully.

• Video consultation: Consultation with nursing professionals via video, e.g. for care planning or guidance for family members
• Remote monitoring: Monitoring of vital signs (blood pressure, blood sugar, pulse) through sensors that transmit data to professionals
• Care apps: Digital helpers for medication reminders, care documentation and coordination
• Emergency call systems: Fall detectors and GPS trackers for people with dementia or risk of falls

Telecare offers concrete benefits for family caregivers:

• Quick help: Consult a professional immediately via video when uncertain, instead of waiting for an appointment
• Relief: Remote monitoring reduces the need for constant personal presence
• Better documentation: Apps help with systematic recording of care services, which is important for Spitex billing
• Coordination: Digital tools facilitate coordination between family members, Spitex and the family doctor

Find out more about useful digital tools in our article on the Top 5 care apps and on care documentation.

Cost coverage for telecare services is not yet uniformly regulated in Switzerland. The following generally applies:

• Care services via video: Assessment and counselling (KLV Art. 7 Para. 2 Let. a) can partially be conducted and billed via video
• Remote monitoring: The costs for monitoring devices are handled differently depending on the health insurer and supplementary insurance
• Apps and software: Generally not covered by basic insurance

Personal on-site care – basic care and treatment care – continues to be fully financed by health insurance. Learn more about the costs of home care.

Digital tools are a complement, but not a replacement for official employment as a family caregiver. If you care for a family member at home, you are entitled to a regular salary of up to CHF 51,900 per year.

pfleg.ch ag supports you with the organisation of family care and handles all the administration. Contact us for a free initial consultation.