The role of Hospice T.L.C. caregivers in child and family care in the Kokstad area

Abstract

Due to the increasing number of people being infected with or affected by HIV or AIDS, the need for home-based care services has increased. The psycho-social needs of families have also increased due to HIV infection resulting in a need for more extensive service rendering by relevant service providers. By exploring the role of Hospice T.L.C. caregivers in meeting these needs, recommendations could be made for service rendering to families infected with or affected by HIV or AIDS. Main focus areas for service rendering to these families were identified.

Section B, Article 1: In Kokstad, Kwazulu-Natal Hospice caregivers have been rendering services to families infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS. The role of these caregivers was explored by means of a qualitative study making use of focus groups. The focus of this article is the role that Hospice caregivers fulfil in meeting the needs of these families. Through their training and knowledge they obtain access to families infected with and affected by HIV and AIDS. From the study, certain recommendations could be made that could improve future service rendering, and assist the caregivers in meeting the needs of their patients more effectively.

Section B, Article 2: Literature indicates that people are widely affected by the presence of HIV or AIDS in their lives. The effects are of a physical, psychological, as well as a social nature. This has several implications for the affected families. In this study the bio-psychosocial needs, as identified by families themselves, receive attention. This qualitative study was conducted with the help of caregivers of Hospice T.L.C. operating in the Kokstad area, Kwazulu-Natal and involved home visits to affected families where an interview schedule guided the process of data collection. Material needs, as well as a need for emotional support were the most prevalent. The relationship between the caregivers and affected families are very positive, allowing an open door for further service rendering.

Section B, Article 3: Hospice T.L.C. is a non-profit organization (NPO) operating since 2006. They are rendering holistic, palliative and frail care services to ail patients in the Kokstad area, southern. KwaZulu-Natal. This qualitative study was aimed at exploring the extent of involvement of welfare organisations in meeting the bio-psychosocial needs of families infected with and affected by HIV or AIDS. This article deals with the stakeholders rendering services to these families and possible ways in which service rendering could be improved. Data was obtained during a focus group session with the caregivers and their supervisor. Interviews were conducted with members of the relevant resources that could meet the bio-psychosocial needs of families infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS.