Labor model for individuals is criticized: companies charge as family members care

If the mother is old and frail, or if the child is physically disabled, it is often the relatives who take care of them. Many of them for free. They reduce their workload in their original job to help out. Losses in wages and pensions are the result.

Kunz wanted to help and founded Asfam. The private organization employs healthcare providers. So if the mother is taken care of, the son will receive an employment contract and wages. The companies behind it then charge the healthcare services to the health insurers and the state. Such jobs are also possible at Spitex.

High margins

A promising system, you might think. But there are stumbling blocks. In parliament, Schaffhausen SVP State Councilor Hannes Germann (66) criticized the unequal distribution of funds. “The private companies collect most of the income and pay only a small part to the working family members.” That is amazing.

State Councilor Benjamin Roduit (60) argues in a similar direction. “These companies do not have to pay for the transport of family members or for training costs. That is why it is unfair if they receive so much more money.” Central national councilor Lorenz Hess (61) is also skeptical. “Actually, it is ideal for relatives to take care of their loved ones. But they should not be used as fake employees ‘, says Hess. They have therefore submitted proposals to Parliament.

In fact, Kunz’ Asfam pays the surviving relatives a gross wage of 34.30 francs per hour. The so-called basic care is paid: Help with eating, drinking, washing and dressing. However, Asfam gets 52.60 an hour from the health insurance company and the state – though contributions may vary by canton. “We need extra money. We use the margin to fund our infrastructure and hire qualified nurses to ensure quality,” says Kunz.

worry about quality

There are also concerns about the quality of care. “Quality assurance is underregulated,” says Hess. Center National Alderman Roduit suggests that family members should receive a few hours of primary education. “We must not create major obstacles.”

Everyone employed by Spitex is required to follow at least one course in nursing care. This is also the case with Kunz’ Asfam. However, companies that are not members of the association of private Spitex organizations are not obliged to provide such training.

During the care, the next of kin are checked. “Anyone who needs care is assigned a trained nurse. He has contact with the family at least every two weeks,” says Kunz. The Federal Supreme Court has made these provisions.

Spitex bears responsibility

At Spitex you see opportunities and risks with the work solution. “The next of kin do an incredible amount in caring for the next of kin,” says co-director Cornelis Kooijman (48). Nevertheless, each Spitex organization decides autonomously whether or not to hire family members to provide care. “An advantage is that the Spitex is close by and notices when caring relatives reach their limits.” But: “It is important that the care can be provided in accordance with Spitex’s requirements, because we are ultimately responsible for that.”

In response to the proposals, the Federal Council is announcing a report to analyze the practice. He does not see the high margins of the companies as a problem.

It is also clear that the shortage of nurses in Switzerland is acute. The relatives are already doing a lot today and the politicians also agree on this. “The fact that they receive minimal remuneration for their services under an employment contract does not really help to improve their own situation,” says Germann.