In Switzerland, for over thirty years now, the prevalence and incidence of a large number of disabling, serious or chronic diseases have been increasing for some, or remained stable for others. An ageing society, sedentary lifestyles, and lack of physical activity, obesity and stress are just some of the factors contributing to this trend.

Thanks to enormous medical progress, pathologies once considered incurable or potentially fatal (certain types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular or degenerative diseases) can now be treated or stabilized.

However, for the patients concerned, daily life with such a diagnosis is often accompanied by multiple morbidities or chronic conditions that affect their autonomy and quality of life.

Coping with the consequences of a serious disease is difficult – whether in terms of managing the physical and psychological side effects or the administrative adversities involved in applying for benefits and social assistance. After a temporary or long-term incapacity to work, they can even lead to precariousness.