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Moving to a retirement home: what you need to know
09.07.2025 | Sandra BiraghiWhen parents or grandparents move into a retirement home, there are quite a few things to sort out. Apart from insurance, there is also the question of financial resources and how to manage them.
Moving to a retirement home: what you need to know
When is the right time to consider a retirement home?
More and more people in Switzerland are living well into old age. Some often live alone at home for several years after the death of their partner and want to remain independent in their own four walls as long as their mobility allows. Thanks to modern emergency call systems, elderly people can now quickly call for help in an emergency such as a fall. This gives them and their families peace of mind.
However, for those struggling with limited mobility, the overwhelming demands of household chores and gardening or the difficulty of being alone, moving to a retirement home may be a relief. Living somewhere where they’ll always have someone around can make all the difference. If you’re helping your parents or grandparents to plan their move to a retirement home (or if you’re in the middle of the move itself), you’ll find a range of useful tips here – and food for thought when it comes to considering your own needs for the future.
Care and accommodation costs: your savings will be hit hardest
Moving into a retirement home also has a profound impact on your financial situation. How will you pay if your pension income doesn’t cover your monthly bills? The fact is that when it comes to care and accommodation costs, your personal savings will be hit hardest. Alternatives such as gifts or inheritance contracts only offer limited room for manoeuvre – even a more luxurious lifestyle is punished.
Relief through supplementary benefits
Supplementary benefits can only be claimed if an individual’s assets fall below CHF 100,000. In the case of married couples, their assets must be below CHF 200,000. Owner-occupied properties are not taken into account. The asset threshold is CHF 30,000 for individuals and CHF 50,000 for couples. In addition, any voluntary renunciation of assets that exceeds 10% of the total assets per year is counted as assets. This includes things like gifts and advances on inheritance to descendants.
Keep your files up to date, simplify and organize
Prudent pension planning also includes providing relatives or another trusted person with the necessary authorizations, giving them online access and storing contracts and important documents in the clearest possible way. As a trusted person, you can support your parents, grandparents or friends here. These measures will help to make the transition to a retirement home as worry-free as possible.
What others wanted to know
Our customer advisors can provide answers to selected FAQs. Just tell us what you want to know. We will be happy to help you.
Ben S. (54), Grisons
Can I cancel my existing insurance policy if I move into a retirement home?
Yes, you can. Unlike a normal house move, where the existing policy is retained, most insurance companies offer assistance with early changes of contract when moving to a retirement or nursing home. In some cases, the homes offer cost-effective, all-inclusive solutions covering the most important insurance modules. However, apart from looking at the premium, you should also compare the benefits with those provided under your current insurance policy.
Elisabeth M. (59), Basel
My mother needs care, but my father is still living at home. What will happen to their insurance?
Sebastion O. (48), Sursee
Will children have to cover the costs of a retirement home for their parents if their assets are no longer sufficient?
Yes, under certain circumstances. If savings, pension benefits and supplementary benefits are insufficient, the children or grandchildren may be required to provide support. According to the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare (SKOS), this obligation applies to single persons earning more than CHF 120,000 per year and married couples earning more than CHF 180,000 per year. The threshold for assets is CHF 250,000 or CHF 500,000. In the case of minors, these limits increase.
Ben S. (54), Grisons
Can I cancel my existing insurance policy if I move into a retirement home?
Yes, you can. Unlike a normal house move, where the existing policy is retained, most insurance companies offer assistance with early changes of contract when moving to a retirement or nursing home. In some cases, the homes offer cost-effective, all-inclusive solutions covering the most important insurance modules. However, apart from looking at the premium, you should also compare the benefits with those provided under your current insurance policy.
Elisabeth M. (59), Basel
My mother needs care, but my father is still living at home. What will happen to their insurance?
Sebastion O. (48), Sursee
Will children have to cover the costs of a retirement home for their parents if their assets are no longer sufficient?
Yes, under certain circumstances. If savings, pension benefits and supplementary benefits are insufficient, the children or grandchildren may be required to provide support. According to the Swiss Conference for Social Welfare (SKOS), this obligation applies to single persons earning more than CHF 120,000 per year and married couples earning more than CHF 180,000 per year. The threshold for assets is CHF 250,000 or CHF 500,000. In the case of minors, these limits increase.