The issue of retirement and nursing homes is gaining importance – not least because it is often associated with high costs. Wealthy individuals and their families in particular are exposed to financial risks. Many retirees therefore look for ways to protect their assets at an early stage.

Care is costly: the more assets, the higher the price
Admission to a retirement or nursing home (or a private residence) often becomes unavoidable with increasing care needs. Depending on the level of need, income, and assets, annual costs can quickly exceed CHF 100,000. Homes often use income- and asset-based pricing – those who have more, pay more.

Health insurers cover only part of the care costs. Residents must usually pay for accommodation, meals, and support services themselves. Supplementary benefits (EL) are granted only when eligible income and assets are practically depleted. An allowance for helplessness, however, can be claimed earlier, depending on the degree of disability and the place of residence (home or private household).
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Support obligation: relatives may also be called upon to pay
If supplementary benefits and assets are not sufficient, the state may, under the statutory duty of support, call on relatives before granting social assistance. In addition, when assessing eligibility for supplementary benefits or subsidies, the authorities also consider assets that were transferred earlier – particularly if no compensation was provided. Such transfers are regarded as voluntary renunciation of assets. This means: even if the assets are no longer legally owned, they are still taken into account financially.

In the worst case, prolonged need for care may leave hardly any assets for the heirs – or they may even be required to contribute financially themselves. Many affected individuals feel it is unfair that, despite a lifetime of saving, they cannot make provisions to pass on their savings to the next generation.

Asset protection – but how?
There are many ways to protect assets, but the right solution depends on the individual’s life situation. Among the factors to consider are:
- Tax implications
- Income and asset structure
- Matrimonial and inheritance law
- Gifts and advances on inheritance
- Generational contractsInsurance solutions
- Foundation models

«For sustainable asset protection – especially for the benefit of your children – early, independent, and professionally supported planning for nursing home costs is essential.»

For an initial, free, and non-binding consultation, contact us by email (kontaktanfrage@vpz.ch) or call our free VPZ hotline at 0800 822 288 to schedule an appointment directly with your advisory specialist. A holistic, forward-looking plan coordinates your situation, identifies optimization opportunities, and ensures long-term success.