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2.7 Challenges confronted by volunteer caregivers in HBC for PLWHA
HBC like any other programs have their own challenges. The following discussion is about
the major challenges that volunteer caregivers confront when performing their duties in the
communities.
2.7.1 Lack of remuneration causing demoralization to volunteer caregivers
To volunteer means to provide services without expecting to get paid hence the term
volunteer caregivers (Akintola, 2005). Most Home-based care programs in South Africa rely
on volunteer caregivers as the main source of labour (Akintola, 2010). These volunteer
caregivers in HBC programs are not paid but they can be given gifts in form of stipends as
tokens of appreciation for the services that they provide and also to cover their transport costs
(Akintola, 2005). Lack of remuneration for volunteer caregivers may cause them to feel
demoralized, frustrated and reluctant in performing their work which may cause the quality of
care given to the clients to be compromised. This can also deteriorate the health of the
patients (Shaibu, 2006). For example, in a study conducted in one of the villages in
Botswana on the process of establishing community home-based care and challenges faced
by University staff, students and volunteers caregivers, the findings showed that some
volunteer caregivers were provided with transport money by their district offices while others
were not due to lack of adequate funding. Those that were not paid became discouraged and
reluctant to continue with their work (Shaibu, 2006).
On the other hand, when volunteer caregivers are given a few incentives they are able to do
their work more effectively. In Zambia, for example, a study was conducted on HBC by
SAFAID & HDN (2007) and findings revealed that volunteer caregivers were not paid but
they were given free access to medical facilities and to community ploughs, they received
seeds, uniforms, bicycles, t-shirts and they were allowed to conduct income generating
projects such as gardening to meet their needs. These incentives increased their willingness to
perform their care giving duties and were more productive.
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