Professional nurse perceptions of the role of home and community-based carers providing care to the community in the Capricorn district of the Limpopo Province

Abstract

The study sought to explore professional nurses' perceptions of the roles of home and community-based carers in the Capricorn district of the Limpopo province as well as the problems they experienced and make recommendations to improve the quality of home and community-based care.

A qualitative approach with non-probability, purposeful sampling was used in this study. The sample consisted of professional nurses serving as focal points for home-based care in the area of the study.

The findings indicated that professional nurses believe that carers have a role in providing care to the community and serve as the extended hands of their services. However, challenges exist, which impact on the quality of service delivery.

Recommendations included the strengthening of existing elements, such as improving relationships, communication, and the care of carer's programme, carer training, reporting, and monitoring and carer distribution.