Home/community-based care addresses an issue which is becoming increasingly urgent in South Africa. Millions of people are affected by chronic diseases such as HIV and Aids, cancer and tuberculosis. With rising costs, lack of space and facilities in hospitals, providing care and support for these patients and their families in their own homes is a necessity.

Home/community-based care discusses the roles and responsibilities of community caregivers as members of multidisciplinary health care teams, and the importance of community participation and involvement. It presents a historical perspective, various models and theories, and strategies for effective clinical management. Scenarios and self-evaluation questions are provided.

Aspects covered include the following:

• Overview of home/community-based care
• Transcultural issues
• Discharge planning
• Palliative care management
• International and national collaboration
• Ethical, legal and professional issues
• Models for home/community-based care
• Counselling and coping
• Multidisciplinary teams
• Health promotion and education
• Community development and orphan care
• Education and training of caregivers
• The future of home/community-based care
  

The knowledge and skills that nurses and students acquire by studying Home/community-based care will equip them to render appropriate care to the people who need it.

Mmapheko Doriccah Peu grew up in a rural community where the provision of primary health care was scarce. She recognised the need for accessible and affordable health care services in areas such as these and so trained as a nurse. She has a PhD in Nursing from the University of Pretoria, where she is currently a lecturer. Her main purpose is to share her expertise with students and in so doing, aid in the improvement of the health status of the community.