Please can someone help me ascertain what happens to the elderly here in Switzerland? Is there any need for private care? are there enough retirement homes? Do families assume responsibility for their ageing relatives? What happens to the old ex-pats here???
Being a carer in London, I am interested to know what happens here in Switzerland.
Any information greatly appreciated!

I think there are two basic options: first one are retirement homes the second is a system called Spitex basically they noticed that people prefer to stay at home as long as possible + it's more cost effective... not sure about the details but the older person basically stays home and someone comes around everyday to help them out and bring food etc

dreamz is right. Spitex is a good idea for the elderly who just need a little help. The visits can take place in longer intervals than daily, too. A similar level of support is available in some small appartment complexes for seniors.

For those who are more in need of support, there are retirement homes and nursing homes. Those who don't have friends nor relatives get assigned a social worker who will take care of Spitex or a relocation to a retirement home, once these steps become advisable. But of course this process less difficult if a social network is around, and I think most families care for their older members as good as they can (most don't live under the same roof).

They just waste away whilst bitching away on the EF

They all live in my "viertel". (And I have to say, looking at the homes from the outside, I'm thinking of moving in.)

Ever seen Logan's Run?

This reminds me of a recent question somewhere on this forum:

"Why would someone with an EU passport want a Swiss one?".

Apparently a Swiss passport will entitle you to a place in an old folks home here. It's relevant to at least one Brit I know, as he has a wife and 3 grown up kids here.

Or Soylent Green.

I live in an area of Zurich that is relatively residential and a very nice location. There are several elderly care facilities within a couple of blocks from me and I always see people in wheelchairs or on foot out strolling with a care giver. The facilities also look very nice on the outside but obviously I have no idea what goes on inside. The elderly here, or at least in Zurich, seem to be very active quite late in life.

They are in the Talacker bar in central Zürich.

dave

I'm not sure, and I haven't done any proper research but I have heard that if you are elderly in Switzerland and if you have to go into an old peoples home, your kids' can be asked to contribute to your stay there if you can't afford it.

My friend's Swiss boyfriend is having problems at the moment because his father's money is tied up elsewhere in Europe and the state want him to cough up for some of his bills at the old peoples home.

Like I said I haven't looked into it yet, as I am still the proverbial spring chicken, but just as a heads up to anyone out there heading for their twilight years.

They are rounded-up and herded off into a mountain by the pied piper. Once in the mountain they are recycled into beauty products for the young.

Grrrrr Dave!!!

... where they take part in Hughs spelling-B ?

dave

[quote=hugh_abu;120182]They are rounded-up and hearded off into a mountain by the pide piper. quote]

That is certainly worth mentioning. On this subject, a Swiss friend who was made bankrupt a few years ago tells me that they tried, although didn't manage, to get his wealthy father to cough up.

If you end up needing to rely on social benefits they can certainly ask your family to contribute, and also ask you to pay benefits received back should you come into a large inheritance.

.... and Dave is given a kick in his smart arse!!!


Anyway, isn't that the sound of the pied piper right now? Its time for you to leave Dave you old git!!!!

Well, there is a lady thats sure all that glitters is gold, and Ill be damned if that aint the piper calling me to join him.

dave

There is a big old age home bang opposite my apartment in Wipkingen. I can find any details if you want. It's a fairly big building - I thing 8-10 floors.

Don't want to sound rude but on a lighter note... If you ever happen to travel on Tram 13, you'll notice that all the senior citizens in the tram get down at stop Waidfussweg! It's just so visible and funny! I call it the oldies-stop! This is where the old age home is.

Thanks! would really appreciate any info you could glean!
Never travel on the No. 13, so never seen the wrinklies!