Home Based Care Support Skills For Healthcare Workers Training

Objectives:
• Understand the principles and scope of home based care
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of a home based care worker
• Recognize the ethical and legal framework guiding home based care
• Discuss the importance of cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care

Topics:
• Definition and philosophy of home based care
• Overview of the South African healthcare system
• Ethical considerations and patient confidentiality
• Legal aspects: scope of practice and liability
• The home based care team: roles and communication
• Cultural competence in diverse communities
• Introduction to the care plan and documentation

Objectives:
• Explain standard precautions and transmission-based precautions
• Demonstrate correct hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Identify common infections in home care settings
• Apply waste management principles in the home environment

Topics:
• Chain of infection and breaking transmission
• Hand hygiene techniques (WHO 5 moments)
• Types of PPE and correct usage
• Safe handling and disposal of sharps and clinical waste
• Cleaning and disinfection of the home environment
• Prevention of catheter-associated infections and wound infections
• Managing exposure incidents: needlestick injuries

Objectives:
• Measure and interpret vital signs accurately
• Conduct a basic physical assessment of the patient
• Recognize abnormal findings and report accordingly
• Document vital signs and observations correctly

Topics:
• Temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure measurement
• Oxygen saturation and pain assessment
• Normal ranges and common variations
• Head-to-toe assessment basics
• Skin assessment for pressure sores and rashes
• Recognizing signs of deterioration
• Documentation: charts and reporting

Objectives:
• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) safely
• Provide oral, skin, and perineal care
• Prevent pressure ulcers through proper positioning and care
• Support patients with elimination needs

Topics:
• Bathing and bed bath techniques
• Oral care for dependent patients
• Pressure ulcer prevention: turning, repositioning, and support surfaces
• Incontinence care and catheter care
• Assisting with toileting and commodes
• Dressing and grooming assistance
• Maintaining patient dignity and independence

Objectives:
• Assess nutritional status and hydration needs
• Plan and prepare appropriate meals for patients with special dietary requirements
• Assist with feeding and monitor intake
• Identify signs of malnutrition and dehydration

Topics:
• Basic nutrition principles and dietary guidelines
• Special diets: diabetic, low-salt, soft, pureed
• Modified consistency foods for dysphagia
• Fluid balance monitoring and intake-output charts
• Feeding techniques for dependent patients
• Enteral feeding (nasogastric tube) overview
• Cultural and religious dietary considerations

Objectives:
• Describe the roles of healthcare workers in medication management
• Administer oral, topical, and inhaled medications safely
• Recognize common medication errors and adverse reactions
• Educate patients and families on medication adherence

Topics:
• Medication routes and abbreviations
• The 6 rights of medication administration
• Oral medication administration techniques
• Topical applications and inhalers
• Storage and disposal of medications
• Monitoring for side effects and interactions
• Documentation and reporting of medication administration

Objectives:
• Assess and classify wounds
• Perform wound cleaning and dressing changes
• Identify signs of infection and complications
• Apply basic first aid for common emergencies

Topics:
• Wound healing process and types of wounds
• Aseptic technique for wound care
• Types of dressings and their indications
• Pressure ulcer staging and care
• First aid for cuts, burns, falls, and choking
• Managing bleeding and shock
• When to refer to a higher level of care

Objectives:
• Understand the principles of palliative care
• Manage pain and other symptoms in terminally ill patients
• Provide psychosocial and spiritual support to patients and families
• Support the patient's family through the dying process and bereavement

Topics:
• Palliative care philosophy and goals
• Pain assessment and non-pharmacological pain relief
• Symptom management: nausea, dyspnea, constipation
• Communication with dying patients
• Advance care planning and living wills
• Care of the body after death
• Grief and bereavement support

Objectives:
• Describe the pathophysiology and management of common chronic diseases
• Support adherence to treatment regimens
• Monitor for complications and side effects
• Educate patients on self-management and lifestyle modifications

Topics:
• HIV/AIDS: antiretroviral therapy, opportunistic infections, adherence
• Tuberculosis: infection control, directly observed therapy (DOT), side effects
• Diabetes: blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, hypoglycemia management
• Hypertension: medication compliance, diet, and exercise
• Chronic disease self-management education
• Recognizing red flags and when to refer

Objectives:
• Provide postnatal care for mothers and newborns
• Support breastfeeding and infant feeding
• Identify danger signs in postpartum women and neonates
• Promote child health and immunization

Topics:
• Postnatal care: perineal care, uterine involution, lochia assessment
• Newborn care: cord care, bathing, temperature regulation
• Breastfeeding positioning and common challenges
• Infant feeding options and formula preparation
• Growth monitoring and immunization schedule
• Recognition of postpartum depression
• Danger signs in mother and baby requiring referral

Objectives:
• Recognize common mental health conditions in home care
• Provide basic psychosocial support and active listening
• Identify signs of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse
• Implement self-care strategies to prevent burnout

Topics:
• Common mental health disorders: depression, anxiety, dementia
• Communication skills: active listening, empathy, validation
• Psychosocial support for patients and families
• Substance abuse identification and harm reduction
• Stress management and resilience building
• Referral pathways for mental health services
• Self-care for the home care worker

Objectives:
• Develop and update individualized care plans
• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records
• Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team
• Participate in case discussions and handovers

Topics:
• Components of a care plan: goals, interventions, evaluations
• Daily care notes and incident reporting
• SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication
• Multidisciplinary team roles: social workers, physiotherapists, nurses
• Handover techniques and shift reporting
• Confidentiality and data protection
• Quality improvement and audit in home care

Objectives:
• Demonstrate competence in a simulated home care scenario
• Integrate all skills learned throughout the course
• Complete a final assessment covering theory and practice
• Reflect on professional development and future learning

Topics:
• Comprehensive simulation: patient assessment, care planning, and intervention
• Practical stations: vital signs, wound care, medication administration, personal care
• Written examination covering key concepts
• Feedback and remediation
• Certification requirements and portfolio of evidence
• Career pathways and continuing professional development
• Course evaluation and closing