With an aging population and a high prevalence of chronic illnesses, there is an increasing demand for home-based care to support frail and elderly individuals. This programme equips caregivers with essential skills to provide holistic care, including physical, emotional, and social support, directly in patients’ homes. By reducing the burden on overcrowded hospitals and healthcare facilities, home-based care allows for more efficient use of medical resources and ensures that patients receive personalized, dignified care in a familiar environment. Additionally, trained home-based care assistants can help manage daily activities, medication, and health monitoring, significantly improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Investing in this training not only enhances the caregivers’ professional development but also strengthens the overall healthcare system, making it more resilient and responsive to the needs of the community. Therefore, the importance of studying this programme cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in promoting health and well-being across South Africa.

Qualification specifications

SAQA ID#: 104779

NQF level: 2

Credits: 70

Duration:  6 months

Accreditation body: Quality Council for Trade and Occupation (QCTO)

A qualification at Abet Level 4 or Grade 9 Schooling

Occupation function

A Home-Based Carer will be able to provide supervised care and support to patients and household members in the home, in order to promote, restore and maintain a person’s comfort, function, spiritual wellbeing and physical health including care towards a dignified death. The work of a Home-Based Carer focusses on therapeutic work (to make better), rehabilitative work (to restore to health), long-term maintenance (to care for over a long time) and palliative care (for those with life-limiting conditions). All these tasks require time and commitment and imply a longer-term relationship with clients/patients.

The programme is divided into two modules covering the following:

1. Fundamentals of Home Based Care
2. Implement a Home Based Care Plan

The programme consists of:

• Facilitator led online knowledge modules
• Facilitator led online practical modules
• Workplace based learning modules (37 compulsory workplace based days)
• External Integrated Summative Assessment (exam)

Vertical articulation

• Occupational Certificate: Health Promotions Officer (Community Health Worker), Level 3.
• Occupational Certificate: Home Based Personal Care Assistant, Level 3.

Email: skills@regenesys.net