Care Increase in costs and care times in care homes in 2023

In 2023, both the costs and the need for care in retirement and nursing homes and in home care rose significantly.

In 2023, retirement and nursing homes in Switzerland recorded a 5% increase in costs compared to the previous year. Expenditure on assistance and care at home even rose by 7 percent. In total, costs amounted to CHF 15 billion, which represents the strongest growth in the last decade.

According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the need for care in retirement and nursing homes has never been as high as in 2023. On average, 110 minutes of care were required per resident per day, an increase of 4% compared to 2022.

A similar trend is also evident in Spitex services. In 2023, each client in Switzerland required an average of 56 hours of care, which corresponds to an increase of 6.3% compared to the previous year.

Rising care requirements and their effects

The increase in care hours in care homes and in home care reflects the growing demands on care staff. This development presents both facilities and care services with new challenges, particularly in terms of providing sufficient resources and ensuring the quality of care.

Financial burdens and future prospects

The rising costs raise questions about the long-term financial viability of care services. It remains to be seen how these developments will affect funding systems and policies in the area of care for the elderly. The need to find sustainable solutions is becoming increasingly urgent in order to meet rising demand while minimizing the financial burden on society.

SDA