The experiences of informal care givers in home-based care in the ODI sub-district area in the North West Province.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of informal caregivers in home-based care in the Odi Sub-District area in the Province of the North West. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was followed to collect data from the selected population. The study population consisted of informal caregivers who conduct home visitations in the Odi Sub-District area. Participants were purposively selected. Data were collected from the participants by means of focus group interviews, which were guided by the group moderator. The experiences of informal caregivers were shared through the participants' responses to a central research question. Tesch's qualitative method of data analysis was used to analyse the data. The experiences of informal caregivers were related to emotions, social circumstances and support. The participants placed emphasis on emotions of love and caring, fulfilment, frustration, exploitation, anger and helplessness, fear, rejection, shame and denial. Social circumstances regarding finance, antagonism and stigma were also emphasised. The participants raised the issue of the necessity of the support of the family, community and clinic during home-based care. It was recommended that this support group should assist families in dealing with fear, stigma and discrimination. Furthermore, it was recommended that the government should provide the services for developing and empowering informal caregivers in home-based care.