The economic value of long-­term family caregiving. The situation of caregivers of persons with spinal cord injury in Switzerland

This paper aims to estimate the economic value of family caregivers of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland. The study uses detailed data on the caregiving process, including the time of care and the complexity of tasks family caregivers perform on a regular basis. By understanding the economic value of family caregivers, policies can be designed to better support them and ensure their continued involvement in the caregiving process.

• 1
  Family caregivers in the sample spent an average of 27 hr per week caring for a relative for almost 12 years.
• 2
  This work, if undertaken by professional home care, has a market value of CHF 62,732 (EUR 56,455) per year.
• 3
  In the absence of family caregivers, these costs should be financed by the health insurances (47%), by the cared-­for person (24%) and by the social insurances (29%).