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Consultancy

Excellent advice in a face-to-face meeting

As the leading specialist organisation for all matters relating to ageing, Pro Senectute of both Basel cantons understands the challenges that can make independent living difficult in later life. We’re here to help by providing answers.

You will always find a sympathetic ear here. We will provide you with comprehensive information and sound advice during a personal consultation. Naturally, everything you tell us during the consultation will be treated in strict confidence. This service is free of charge.

Our qualified specialists are experts in areas such as

  • problems and stresses in everyday life
  • Organising your daily life
  • Arranging services and aids (such as home care, cleaning or meals)
  • Housing
  • Financial matters
  • Social insurance (AHV, EL, benefits)
  • Financial support for people in acute emergency situations
  • Legal matters
  • Advance care directives and living wills

Booking
Consultations take place at Pro Senectute’s offices in Basel, Gelterkinden, Laufen, Liestal and Sissach, or at clients’ homes (excluding legal advice). 

Please book an appointment for a face-to-face consultation.
Monday–Friday, 8 am–12 noon and 2 pm–5 pm

Our information and advice services

  1. How to find us

  2. Dialog und Austausch eines Ehepaares während des Beratungsgespräches.

    Service areas

  3. Ein Berater erklärt dem Kunden während einem Treffen die Möglichkeiten.

    Increase in the take-up rate of supplementary benefits

  4. Broschüre zum Docupass und eine Lesebrille.

    Further information

  5. Beraterin klärt mit einem Kunden finanzielle Fragen.

    Free professional advice

  6. Any legal questions?

  7. Fitnesszentrum Akzentforum in der Belchenstrasse von aussen.

    Living independently in your own home

  8. Eine Seniorin lernt in einem Kurs die Apps ihres iPads kennen.

    Navigating demographic change

Questions and answers about the consultation

Where can I get help in old age?

Pro Senectute in both Basel cantons will assess your situation, provide you with immediate assistance or refer you to the appropriate organisation. Our advice is easily accessible, practical and free of charge.

What support is available for older people?

Our advisers can assist you with matters relating to finance, administration, housing, health, social inclusion, provision for the future, the law on the protection of adults, and retirement. We are well-versed in these various areas and can refer you to further support services if required. Our advice is accessible, practical and free of charge. We manage trust arrangements to provide support with financial and administrative matters. A trust arrangement is managed on a voluntary basis.

Are the consultations free of charge?

Yes, our advice is free of charge – both for you and for your relatives. Tax returns, trust arrangements and guardianships are subject to a fee; for tax and trust services, a sliding-scale fee applies based on your financial circumstances. Our aim is to ensure that our services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances – where necessary, we provide support through foundation funds or grants.

Who can take advantage of these offers?

Our services are aimed at senior citizens of AHV retirement age and their relatives. If you have any questions about retirement, you are welcome to contact us even before you reach retirement age. Our tax service is available to you from the age of 60.

Do I have to live in Basel-Stadt or Basel-Landschaft?

For our advisory services, as well as for trust and guardianship arrangements, we require you to be resident in one of the two cantons of Basel. If you have a specific enquiry – such as a planned move or a return to Basel – please feel free to contact our advisory service.

Can family members get in touch as well?

Yes, relatives are also welcome to contact our advice service at any time. The focus is always on the needs of the elderly person. Please note that our advice and services are provided on a voluntary basis and are independent and impartial.

What sort of questions can I ask the advisory service?

You are welcome to contact us with any questions you may have about growing older. A key focus of our advice is on financial, administrative and legal matters – such as social security (AHV, EL, supplementary benefits), administrative and financial support, housing for older people, as well as end-of-life planning and adult protection (enduring power of attorney, living will, will). Our advice is accessible, practical and free of charge.

Do I need an appointment?

Depending on your enquiry, a telephone call or an email exchange may also help to clarify your questions or concerns. If you ring our main number, you will be put through to an adviser, who will then call you back. Alternatively, you can send us an email. 

Is the consultation confidential?

Yes. As professionals, our advisers are bound by a duty of confidentiality. We will not pass on your data or information to third parties without your consent.

Do you also provide support in the event of financial difficulties?

Yes. We can help you claim your social security entitlements, advise you on budgetary matters and, in certain situations, provide specific financial support as part of the ‘Individual Financial Assistance’ scheme. Please contact our advice service for further details.

Do you help people fill in forms?

Yes, we can help you fill in forms – such as applications for supplementary benefits or care allowances – and assist you generally with completing official documents. Please contact our advice service for this

Do you also provide advice on lasting powers of attorney, living wills and wills?

Yes. We can offer general advice on lasting powers of attorney, living wills and wills. For more complex matters, you may also wish to seek specialist legal advice or more detailed guidance on living wills. Please contact our advisory service for further information. 

How do I get in touch?

If you would like to make an enquiry, please call our main number or send us an email.

Who can help with filling in EL applications?

Our advisers will be happy to help you complete the application forms.