Home-Based Care (Level 3)

Home-Based Care Level 3 is a competency-based programme designed to equip learners with practical skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, compassionate and effective care to individuals in home and community settings.

The programme prepares learners to support children, older persons, people living with disabilities, recovering patients and individuals requiring assistance with their daily activities. Students develop essential skills in personal care, hygiene, nutrition, mobility support, housekeeping, infection prevention, communication and psychosocial support.

The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare learners for entry-level caregiving and home-based care roles. It is a recognized Level 3 qualification under the TVET-CDACC framework.

1. Basic Home-Based Care

• Understand the principles of home-based care.
• Provide basic care and support to clients in their homes.
• Understand the role and responsibilities of a caregiver.
• Promote dignity, independence and quality of life.

2. Personal Care and Hygiene

• Assist clients with bathing and personal hygiene.
• Support oral care, grooming and dressing.
• Assist with toileting and continence care.
• Maintain client dignity, privacy and comfort.

3. Nutrition and Feeding

• Understand basic nutritional needs.
• Prepare and serve appropriate meals.
• Assist clients who require feeding support.
• Promote safe and healthy eating practices.

4. Mobility and Patient Positioning

• Assist clients with movement and mobility.
• Apply safe lifting and transfer techniques.
• Assist with repositioning clients.
• Help prevent injuries and complications associated with immobility.

5. Infection Prevention and Control

• Apply proper hand hygiene.
• Use personal protective equipment appropriately.
• Maintain a clean and safe care environment.
• Handle waste and contaminated materials safely.
• Apply basic infection prevention practices.

6. Basic Health Observation

• Observe changes in a client's condition.
• Recognize basic signs that may require attention.
• Monitor and record simple observations as appropriate.
• Report concerns to the appropriate healthcare professional or responsible person.

7. First Aid and Safety

• Identify common emergencies.
• Apply basic first aid procedures.
• Respond appropriately to accidents and injuries.
• Maintain a safe environment for clients and caregivers.

8. Housekeeping and Home Management

• Maintain cleanliness in the client's living environment.
• Perform basic housekeeping duties.
• Organize the client's personal space.
• Apply safe practices when handling household materials and equipment.

9. Psychosocial Support

• Provide emotional and social support to clients.
• Develop positive relationships with clients and families.
• Understand the importance of empathy and active listening.
• Support clients while respecting their individual needs and preferences.

10. Communication Skills

• Communicate effectively with clients and their families.
• Use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work effectively with healthcare professionals and other caregivers.

11. Care for Vulnerable Persons

• Understand the needs of older persons.
• Support people living with disabilities.
• Provide appropriate assistance to children and other vulnerable individuals.
• Promote safety, dignity and independence.

12. Common Health Conditions

• Gain basic knowledge of common health conditions.
• Understand basic symptoms and care needs.
• Recognize situations that require referral to healthcare professionals.
• Provide appropriate supportive care within the caregiver's scope.

13. Professional Ethics

• Understand caregiver responsibilities.
• Respect client rights and confidentiality.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Demonstrate honesty, compassion and responsibility.

14. Entrepreneurship and Employability Skills

• Develop basic workplace skills.
• Understand self-employment opportunities in caregiving.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate good work ethics and professionalism.

Practical Training

The programme emphasizes hands-on skills development. Learners undertake practical training in areas such as personal care, bed making, feeding, mobility assistance, hygiene, infection prevention, housekeeping, communication and client support.

Practical exposure may be undertaken in appropriate home-care, community or healthcare environments, depending on the institution's training arrangements. Current Kenyan training providers describe Level 3 programmes as combining classroom learning with practical training and, in some cases, industrial attachment.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue entry-level opportunities in:

• Home-based care agencies
• Private homes
• Nursing homes
• Community care organizations
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Rehabilitation and support facilities
• Residential care facilities
• Non-governmental and community-based organizations

Potential roles include:

• Home-Based Care Support Worker
• Caregiver
• Home Care Assistant
• Patient Support Assistant
• Community Care Support Worker
• Personal Care Assistant

Specific job titles and responsibilities depend on the employer and applicable professional requirements.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirement commonly listed for Home-Based Care Level 3 is KCPE or an equivalent qualification.

Minimum Entry Requirement: KCPE Certificate or equivalent.

Certification

The programme is offered within the TVET-CDACC competency-based framework. The current TVET-CDACC portal lists Home-Based Care Support – Level 3 (10213HBCMA) under Curriculum Cycle 03.