HIV/AIDS and home-based care: experiences of patients and households

M.A.The challenge of HIV/AIDS is a global issue, instead of decreasing the number of people infected with the disease the number is increasing. Fortunately we have men and women who are volunteers to fight the increase of this pandemic. These heroes are the voluntary caregivers who are the mainstay of people with AIDS. However the fact that the caregivers suffer from loneliness and social isolation related to stigma and discrimination cannot be ignored. Voluntary caregivers can benefit form the opportunity to express basic emotions concerning, financial, emotional and physical issues and open line of communication should be in place. Providing an avenue foe emotional expression may enhance both physical and mental health to voluntary AIDS Caregivers. The qualitative study undertaken to explore the experiences of AIDS patients and their families regarding the home based care as service delivery. An explorative and qualitative design was used to determine the experiences of the AIDS caregivers, and aids patients concerning the support that they receive. AIDS patients and the families were selected from the organisations that are funded by the Department of Social Development in the Free State, Bloemfontein area. Pilot study was conducted prior to the commencement of the study comprising of ten participants in each group. Participants were requested to give information during the interviews. Data was collected and analysed and it was in followed by the literature control. The findings did not differ significantly in emotional and social aspects. The researcher drew conclusion and recommendations. Limitations were discussed.Dr. Oliphant Ms. A. VermeulenM.A