Where can i study to be a Caregiver in South Africa

On this page, you will learn about what caregiver courses are, and also where to study for these courses in South Africa. Caregiving is also commonly known as Home-based Care Training.

First of all, let’s look at what Caregiver or Home-based Care Training courses entail.

Caregiver courses give you both practical and theory-based knowledge in areas like:

• Basic healthcare and hygiene
• Human anatomy and physiology
• First aid and emergency care
• Patient care (like bed baths, pressure care, mobility assistance)
• Nutrition and meal preparation
• Special care for conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke
• Communication and record-keeping
• Emotional and mental support

Secondly, we look at the types of caregiving/ Home-based Care Training courses.

In South Africa, you can choose from different caregiver courses, such as:

1. Short Courses in Caregiving: Focus on quick, basic skills for caregiving, like home-based care, first aid, and elderly care.
2. Certificate in Home-Based Care: More detailed, covering anatomy, HIV/AIDS care, and health safety.
3. National Certificate in Ancillary Health Care: A one-year course for those who want to work under a healthcare professional. Covers health promotion and basic nursing care.
4. Higher Certificate in Health Care Services Management: Advanced course for those aiming for management roles in healthcare.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Caregiver in South Africa?

To become a caregiver, you need a Home-Based Care Training Certificate. You also need to register as a caregiver with the Department of Social Development. The training must be from a SAQA-accredited institution.

Caregiver course requirements

Most courses for Caregiving in South Africa require the following from learners:

• Educational Qualifications: Grade 10 or 11 (Matric for advanced courses)
• Language Proficiency: Basic English skills
• Minimum Age: 18 years old
• Health and Fitness: Medical check and vaccinations (TB, Hepatitis B)
• Police Clearance: Clear criminal record
• First Aid Certificate (Recommended)
• Interview or Motivation Letter (Institution-specific)

Where to Study to Be a Caregiver in South Africa

We have listed the accredited schools that provide Caregiver Courses across South Africa, together with their contact details and the types of the courses they provide.

Gauteng

Caregiver training courses schools in Johannesburg and Pretoria:

1. First Class Caregiving

• Program: Caregiver and Certified Nursing Assistant Training
• Accreditation: Internationally accredited
• Location: 41 York Rd, South Kensington, Johannesburg, 2094
• Website

2. HospiceWits

• Program: Ancillary Health Care Course (Non-accredited)
• Duration: 10 Days over 3 months
• Cost: R3,200
• Location: 50 Second Avenue, Houghton, Johannesburg
• Website

3. Kunokhanya Training Academy

• Programs:
  • Health Promotion Officer Level 3 (Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12)
  • Community Health Work Level 4 (Grade 12 passed or failed)
• Location: 30 Von Brandis Cnr Main Street, Blooms Building, Johannesburg CBD
• Website

4. St John – Home Based Care

• Programs:
  • Basic Home Care (R2,740, 5 days)
  • Advanced Home Care (R5,500, 10 days)
• Location: 19 Woolston Rd, Westcliff, 2193
• Website

5. School of Khanya

• Program: Professional Caregiver Course (18 days theory + 168 hours practicals)
• Cost: R4,000
• Location: Cosmo Junction, Corner South Africa Drive and Tennessee Avenue, Cosmo City, Roodepoort
• Website

6. Weiners Training Development Academy

• Program: Caregiving Courses and Short Courses
• Location: Wendywood Shopping Centre, 1st Floor, Darwin Roads, Wendywood, Sandton, 2090
• Website

Kwazulu Natal (Durban)

Below, you will find Home-based Care (Caregiver) course in KZN areas, including Durban:

1. KZN Care Association

• Courses Offered:
  • Home Based Care (4 months)
  • National Certificate: Care Practitioner (12 months)
• Minimum Requirement: Grade 10
• Website

2. Eldercare Home Services

• Program: Home-Based Caregiver Training
• Duration: Weekly courses
• Accredited training to become a competent caregiver.
• Website

3. Kunokhanya Training Academy

• Program: Home-Based Caregiver
• Duration:
  • 2 months (full-time)
  • 3 months (part-time)
• Website

4. First Class Caregiving

• Program: Caregiver and Nursing Assistant Training
• Accreditation: Internationally accredited
• Website

Western Cape

Here are some places in the Western Cape where you can study to become a caregiver:

1. Ukuphela

• Program: Accredited Caregiver Training Programmes
• Location: 133 Mitchell Street, BoDorp, George
• Website

2. St John – Home Based Care

• Program: Home Care Courses for aspiring caregivers
• Location: Various locations in Western Cape
• Website

3. ProCare

• Program: Home-Based Care Course (QCTO Accredited)
• Duration: 3 months (March 1, 2024 – May 1, 2024)
• Location: Essential Health Building, Second Floor, C/O Old Paarl Road & Jeanette Street, Brackenfell, Cape Town
• Website

4. Red Cross Hermanus

• Program: Home-Based Care Training
• Duration: 37 hours
• Cost: R1,500 (includes book and certificate)
• Location: 2A Aberdeen Street, Hermanus
• Website

How to Register as a Caregiver

1. Go to your nearest Department of Social Development office.
2. Complete Form 7.
3. Submit:
   • A certified copy of your ID or residence permit.
   • Proof of your caregiver training.
4. You’ll receive a registration certificate. You can request a duplicate if you lose it.

How Much Does a Caregiver Course Cost in South Africa?

The cost of a caregiver course ranges from R3000 to R5000, depending on:

• The type of school (public or private)
• The course content and modules
• The course duration

Skills You Need for Home-Based Care

• First aid and CPR knowledge
• Basic nursing skills
• Patience and care for the patient’s well-being
• Knowledge of housekeeping and cooking with dietary needs in mind
• Willingness to follow health and safety rules
• Reliability and integrity
• Good communication and time management skills
• Physical endurance and strong ethics