The Home-Based Care NQF Level 3 qualification is a well-rounded programme that integrates theoretical learning, practical skills, and real-world experience to prepare compassionate, competent caregivers. It plays a vital role in strengthening the continuum of care between healthcare institutions and communities, contributing significantly to public health and social development initiatives.

This nationally recognised qualification equips learners with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and workplace experience required to provide comprehensive home-based care services. It is designed to address the growing demand for qualified home-based caregivers capable of supporting patients with chronic illnesses, disabilities, rehabilitation needs, and those requiring palliative care, within the comfort of their homes.

• Fundamentals of Home-based Care
• Community Health Care and Social Support
• Rehabilitative Care within the Home-based Environment
• Therapeutic Care withing the Home-based Environment
• Supportive and Palliative Care

• Assess and identify the needs of patients and family/household members, and develop/ update a standardized care plan
• Identify and report on possible needs of patient and family/household members on an ongoing basis
• Implement delegated components of the care plan
• Educate patients and family/household members regarding the specific health/social conditions, implications and principles of care
• Capacitate patients/ family/household members in basic practical care skills
• Record and submit required information as per schedule

Exposure to

• Rules relating to confidentially and privacy
• Codes and conduct and ethics
• Policies, procedures, and protocols relating to assessment and provision
• Patient forms and documentation
• Patient Care Plan

The programme is offered over a 12 Month period (one Year) and includes tuition, Work-integrated-learning / Practical training and course assessment.

All classes are offered during the week on a full-time basis. Practical training and work integrated learning can be done at an accredited facility of your choice (SAWAS has the right to approve such facility at its own discretion) or you will be placed within one of our partner organisations.

Grade 12 Certificate / Matric or Equivalent Qualification in a relevant Social Services field.

All learning materials are provided by SAWAS. Students will receive printed versions of the study guides for the programmes.

Internal assessments: There will be ongoing assessments for Knowledge modules in the form of Internal assessments and formative assessments. This includes practical and work integrated learning experience. SAWAS will ensure that the learners are prepared well and made ready to sit for the QCTO Final External assessment.

External Assessment: Student will write a compulsory External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) approved by the QCTO at the end of the course.

Certification: On successful completion of the programme, the student will receive a Certificate in Home Based Care, Level 3, from Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).