Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Home based care is the services rendered to the community by home based care givers in all provinces. They are based under most non-governmental organisations (South Africa, 2005:6). The informal caregivers assist with the care to be rendered by health care professionals in different health institutions. Furthermore, they conduct door to door campaigns in a variety of houses to detect defaulters and submit the report to the health centres for continuation of treatment. Research Problem: Most of the home care givers are from a disadvantaged background. In their endeavour to assist the needy patients, they are also experiencing some challenges such as transport, financial, negative family behaviour and patients� problems. However in a study by (Kathryne, Higuchi, Hallberg, Kristenssen and Terprista, 2012:225) reflected that there should be a supportive programme for volunteers including a stipend in order to assist them. Aims & Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore and describe the experiences of informal caregivers in home-based care, in the North West Province. Research Question(s) & Hypotheses: What are the experiences of home based care givers in home-based care, in in the North West Province. Research Design: Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive designs were used. Analysis of challenges experienced by home based care givers were explored and described. Population(s), Sampling & Sample Size(s): The population in this study consisted of caregivers who visited patients in their homes in North West Province. The inclusion criteria for this population were informal caregivers conducting home visits, and consenting to participate in this study. Research Design: Qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual designs were used and data gathering was done through qualitative interviews and mutual trust relationships. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Cross checking of each transcript for quality assurance was conducted. Transcripts were translated into English before data analysis. Data analysis was done by Tesch�s Qualitative method of data analysis. The experiences of home based caregivers were related to antagonism and stigma were also emphasised. Main Findings: The Participants raised the issue of necessity of the support of the family, community and clinic during home-based care. It was recommended that this support group should assist families in dealing with stigma and discrimination. Unique Contribution: Government should provide services for developing and empowering informal caregivers in home-based CARE including better salaries. The other support programme cited was extensive training skills and knowledge for volunteers as well as nurses by acquiring points after being motivated by health workers.

Biography

I have 14 years’ experience in nursing education institutions in management echelon as wel as international expert. I previously worked as a manager (Vice principal and later Principal of Mmabatho college of Nursing) in academic institution as well a leader of a union at National and Provincial level. I also worked in Lesotho- SADC to strengthen management capacity on Human resource and training issues as well as Nursing education programme and curriculum development. I worked with international NGO such as HSS-Project Finland and MCA (USA) and SHT (South Africa) Other NGO supported are PEPFAR; USAID; NEPI; IRISH AID and Japhiego.

Email: Moipone.Tlapu@SMU.ac.za