CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN HOME BASED CARE AND TRAINING IN RESOURCE LIMITED SETTINGS

This study sought to investigate the challenges and opportunities in home based care and training at Phuthanang Home Based Care in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. South Africa is a country with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. It is against this backdrop that home based care has become a national priority. The study was entirely qualitative. The case was selected because of its emphasis on training apart from offering home based care services and also its location in a poor township, Mankweng outside Polokwane. Data was collected from using open ended interviews, focus group discussion, observations and document review and was analysed using a data matrix. The major findings from the study were that, though Phuthanang Home Based Care is contributing fairly well in providing home based care; it faces several challenges in its operations these include lack of funds, stigmatisation of caregivers, poor collaboration and the burden on women caregivers. The research found out that Phuthanang Home Based Care offers training to its members, patients and also to the community. It was observed that training offered covers both theoretical and practical issues ranging from counselling, hygiene, and adherence to medicine to sewing, baking and market gardening; however there is emphasis on theory. The study concludes that Phuthanang Home Based Care faces challenges in offering home based care and training; however there are opportunities for improvements in service provision. The study recommends that there is need for more skills training sessions on the practical issues in home based care and fund raising. Stigmatisation of caregivers can be reduced if caregivers participate in information dissemination on HIV and AIDS using role play, drama and poetry within the community.