phone 044 300 11 22

Employment of family caregivers of cancer patients

Caring for a partner, parent or other loved one with a cancer diagnosis presents family members with professional, emotional and financial challenges.

Our specialist area for family caregivers of cancer patients offers you the help you and your loved ones need after a cancer diagnosis.

Request advice now
Woman with cancer looks out of the window with her husband
  • Fixed wage icon

    Salary and social benefits thanks to employment

  • Icon professional support shows clipboard with heart

    Technical support from professionals

  • Mental support icon for cancer patients shows smiley with plus

    Mental and emotional support

  • Contact person icon shows speech bubble with small human outline

    Daily contact with your contact person

Cancer patient and caring daughter hug each other

Holistic care for cancer patients and relatives

We take responsibility for you and your relatives, because only if you are well can you be there for others in the best possible way.

Yvonne Prokoph - contact person for relatives of cancer patients - has not only specialized in oncological care, but also cares for her partner who has lung cancer. You are therefore not only in good hands professionally, but also emotionally.

What support do family caregivers receive from Spitex?

If you decide to receive care at home, you have the option of hiring Spitex. This not only relieves you financially, but also in everyday life.

  • 1

    Needs assessment

    In order to meet not only the needs of the person requiring care, but also your own needs as a relative, we carry out a needs assessment and provide you with comprehensive advice on the employment and care process.

  • 2

    Care documentation

    As the need for care changes over the course of a cancer patient's illness, care documentation also changes depending on the situation. Nevertheless, it is crucial for caregiving relatives so that they and their family receive the support they are entitled to - both in communication with the health insurance company and with the helplessness allowance, the IV and other bodies.

  • 3

    Wages and social benefits

    Care work in the family is also work and should therefore also be paid and protected. By working for Spitex, family members not only receive a salary, but also pay social insurance and pension fund contributions - benefits that would not be available without employment.

  • 4

    Contact with other affected people and the care team

    Joint meetings offer the opportunity to connect with other family caregivers who are caring for a loved one with cancer. Our care team is also on hand to provide valuable support.

What distinguishes SpitexCare in the event of a cancer diagnosis?

The need for care and the care required for cancer can vary greatly and change over the course of the illness. Relatives therefore often have to provide a wide range of care services and react flexibly to new situations. We provide you with holistic support.

Daily team meeting for family caregivers via Zoom

Daily team meeting

In hospices and care facilities, the morning meeting is part of the routine - we would also like to offer this opportunity to family caregivers of cancer patients. From Monday to Friday, we take a look at your day together in this daily call and discuss any particular challenges. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at weekends.

Symbolic image for weekly workshops for family caregivers

2 online workshops per week

Twice a week, we discuss nursing and organizational topics that will help you to cope better with everyday life with cancer. This may involve coordination with therapists, doctors or authorities, but also topics relating to self-care, such as dealing with anxiety or preventing burnout.

Cancer patient undergoing treatment with doctor

Dealing with the treatment team

What can we expect from doctors and therapists? What should I pay attention to and what should I demand, if necessary, in order to receive needs-oriented treatment and professionally correct documentation and diagnosis?

Hands of a woman holding singing bowls as a symbolic image for complementary medicine for cancer patients

Complementary medicine advice

Complementary medical treatments can contribute to the recovery and improved well-being of cancer patients. These include relaxation techniques, nutritional advice, hypnosis and the promotion of physical activity.

Yvonne Prokoph and her partner who has lung cancer
Portrait Yvonne Prokoph

Your contact for oncological care

Yvonne Prokoph has been working in care for 24 years and specialized in oncological care after her partner was diagnosed with lung cancer. She has already published her expertise in a book and regularly gives tips for relatives of cancer patients in her podcast.

For advice

Financial issues of family caregivers

  • How much do I get paid as a family carer with SpitexCare?

    Depending on the canton, up to CHF 42 for family carers who have completed an SRC care assistant course at their own expense. Up to CHF 38 for family carers without a care assistant diploma. We also cover the costs of the SRC care assistant course. This is a commitment for 18 months.

    Contributions to private social insurance (e.g. AHV, ALV, KTG, UVG, BVG) are also covered .

  • Do I have to have nursing training to be employed as a relative?

    Although nursing training is mandatory, we will accompany and support you in obtaining the nursing assistant certificate.

    We also cover the costs of the SRC nursing assistant course. This involves a commitment for 18 months.

  • Does health insurance cover the costs of cancer care?

    If a cancer diagnosis has been made by a treating doctor, up to 90% of the costs of care and support services provided by private Spitex are covered.

  • Am I entitled to vacation?

    You are entitled to leave as agreed in your contract. During your absence, we will take care of your sick relatives.

  • Does my employment affect the helplessness allowance?

    Yes, the employment reduces the helplessness allowance of the person being cared for by the amount provided for care services. This amount is then paid out by the health insurance company to the family member providing care via Spitex.

  • Which care tasks are compensated?

    Compensation is paid for basic care. Basic care includes the basic activities to support and maintain the personal hygiene and physical well-being of a person who is unable to take care of themselves due to their illness.

    I.e. eating and drinking, dressing and undressing, personal hygiene and grooming, mobilization and positioning.