When paraplegics lack the care they need to survive.
Then an emergency arises in a matter of minutes to hours. Let's not let it get that far!
Our offer of highly specialized care with medical services is unique in Switzerland – and indispensable: it prevents unnecessary suffering and subsequent complications, relieves the burden on relatives and saves around half of the costs of a stay as well as many times the emergency and follow-up costs that would otherwise be incurred. The service is aimed at people with spinal cord injury and spinal cord-like symptoms or neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Why we are urgently needed.
There are around 35,000 people in Switzerland whose lives depend on the highly specialized care offered by Rückenwind plus. This is usually provided free of charge by relatives. In the event that this care fails, Rückenwind plus steps in as a back-up – and is thus the only institution that guarantees the continuity of specialized care with medical services that is essential for survival.
For those affected
Specialized care with medical services
For people with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Parkinson’s disease, specialized, point-of-care is absolutely vital.
Avoid unnecessary complications
In the event of absence or after medical procedures, Rückenwind plus bridges the gap – for a few days to several months.
For family caregivers
Optimal bridging in the event of a breakdown
Relatives often provide care for decades – and do so free of charge. A breakdown leads to serious complications within a short time.
Time out for carers and cared-for
Carers also sometimes reach the end of their tether. Taking time out helps both to maintain a healthy relationship in the long term and to relieve physical strain.
For the healthcare sector
Closing a gap in care throughout Switzerland
We are the only institution to close the gap between hospital and care center, rehabilitation center and home.
Avoid unnecessary costs
Our service prevents complications and high
follow-up costs – and thus reduces the burden on the healthcare system.
For nursing staff
Time for care and people
We attach great importance to ensuring that our specialists can provide the care required individually, precisely and without time pressure.
Care is more than just a means to an end
We know, live and continuously optimize the value and, above all, the impact of specialized care with medical services.
News
"The acorn is the tree, the kiss is everything"
“In the acorn is the tree / in the wave the sea / in the flapping wings the sky / in the earthworm the earth / in the kiss everything.”
This poem by Thomas Gröbly concluded the charity event for the “Rückenwind plus” station on Sunday. – Article The Message from November 9, 2024
Communication from the Board of Directors
Ladies and Gentlemen
Dear friends of Rückenwind plus
Today, on August 21, 2024, our management and the Board of Directors were informed by the Emil Burkhardt Foundation shortly before 9 a.m. that the existing lease for the premises of our station will not be extended. The existing lease will therefore expire on July 31, 2026.
We were also informed that this information will be communicated to the employees of the Emil Burkhardt Foundation and the press today.
We were very surprised by the Emil Burkhardt Foundation’s decision to terminate the rental agreement with us. Over the past three years, Rückenwind plus has established itself as an indispensable institution for the specialized care of people with spinal cord injury and spinal cord-like symptoms such as MS, ALS and Parkinson’s disease. The need has been proven after three years, and the positive feedback from patients and relatives underlines the success.
Due to the short notice, we cannot make any further statements at this time, but we will do everything we can to find a good, viable solution. And very importantly, we are still here for you all – the ward is open and needs you. We will keep you up to date.
Thank you very much for your support and commitment.
With best regards
Peter Lude and Sabine Felber
Chairman and Vice-Chairwoman of the Board of Directors
Portraits
Ueli Zimmermann
What to do if an emergency arises and his wife is unable to provide care? After decades of anxiety, there is a solution for the quadriplegic thanks to Rückenwind plus.
Mr. and Mrs. Eichholzer
A stay on the Rückenwind plus ward in Bad Zurzach creates necessary freedom and relaxation for family caregivers – Aurelia and Fritz talk about their everyday life.
Your support provides a tailwind
We do our best every day to provide the people on our ward with exactly the specialized services they need. Thank you very much for helping us with your donation. As we are currently only able to invoice via the in-house Spitex tariff, our cost coverage is 20 to 30 percent.
Tax deduction
Your donation is supported by the federal government, canton and communes – and benefits from a tax deduction.Your support provides a tailwind
We do our best every day to provide the people on our ward with exactly the specialized services they need. Thank you very much for helping us with your donation. As we are currently only able to invoice via the in-house Spitex tariff, our cost coverage is 20 to 30 percent.
Tax deduction
Your donation is supported by the federal government, canton and communes – and benefits from a tax deduction.Prominent support and patronage
Prof. Dr. med. Thierry Carrel, Switzerland's most famous heart surgeon
“Until a political solution is found, uncovered care costs will be financed by donations.”
The motions mentioned in the video were exclusively of a recommendatory nature. It was the only way to make the proposals public and thus inform the patrons directly about the current status of Rückenwind plus.
Prof. Dr. med. Hans Knecht, Founding Director of Swiss Paraplegic Research
“We must stand by people who have suffered severe blows of fate!”
The elected patron and founding director of Swiss Paraplegic Research, Hans Knecht, talks here about his wish, his vision and his conviction.