HOME BASED CARE PROGRAMME

The Home Based Care Programme was initiated as a joint project with the Belgium Trade Union (ABVV/FGTB) Algemeen Belgisch Vakverbond / Federation Generale du Travail de Belgique. The partnership was initiated in 2003 and funding was secured from the Belgian Government for the purpose of this joint project. The aims of the Home Based Care Programme is two-fold; 1) establish a network of 50 Home Based Carers as a pilot in KwaZulu Natal 2) establish a partnership with a hospice care facility to ensure that our workers “die with dignity”.

As part of the project Home Based Care Modules has been developed within the industry and has been pioneered to suit the dynamics of the industry. The module that has evolved through the joint project has 3 phases:

• Phase 1 - two day theory and two day practical
• Phase 2 - five day session in a step down facility which is now

known as the Mentorship Programme

• Phase 3 - Field Assessment whereby those Home Based Carers who have successfully completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 are now taken on a home visit and are assessed by the nurse in the region.