The increasing number of people developing HIV/AIDS calls for partnerships among family members, health care workers, local communities, community-based organizations (CBOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and the persons themselves in providing care and support to those infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Home-based care programs are being developed as the best option for caring for people with HIV/AIDS.
Community home-based care (CHBC) can be defined as the care and support that people living with HIV/AIDS receive in their homes, through family participation and community involvement within available resources and in collaboration with health care workers. This care addresses medical, nursing, emotional, spiritual, psychological, social and material needs of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and their families.
CHBC draws on two strengths that exist throughout the world: families and communities. Families are the central focus of care and form the basis of the CHBC team. Communities are places where people live and a source of support and care to individuals and families in need. The goal of CHBC is to provide hope through high-quality and appropriate care that helps family caregivers and sick family members to maintain their independence and achieve the best possible quality of life. Not only the improvement of the quality of life of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is important, it is also important to maintain their dignity.
Furthermore it aims to contribute to the reduction of stigma and discrimination against PLWHA and the further spread of the virus, and so reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals, families and communities. Community home-based care also promotes community participation and involvement while at the same time empowering family and community members. PLWHA can be cared for in the familiar environment of their homes by relatives at convenient times while also accommodating other household commitments. The presence of relatives and community members during difficult times or final moments may reduce stress and depression. It also provides opportunities for the health education of family members. When effective coordination is in place with health facilities through an effective referral system, CHBC programs complement formal health structures.
Informations en français
http://data.unaids.org/GCWA/GCWA_BG_Care_fr.pdf : Ce document de la coalition mondiale sur les femmes et le SIDA, une initiative ONUSIDA, donne des infomations sur les soins, les femmes et le SIDA.
http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/006/Y4168F/y4168f02.htm : Ce manuel du FAO donne des informations sur la nutrition pour les personnes vivant avec le VIH/SIDA : Une composante souvent négligée et pourtant vitale des soins à domicile.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/info/guide_f.html : Ce lien donne des informations sur les Guides complets à l'intention des personnes vivant avec le VIH ou le sida, y compris un guide pour des auxiliaires donnant des soins à domicile.
