Home Care

Catholic Aids Action currently has 1500 trained volunteers providing services for over 5,200 HIV positive clients and their family members and support systems.  The philosophy of Catholic Aids Action is rooted in a client-centred approach that seeks to build on existing resources within the family and community at large.  Support often includes counselling and emotional or spiritual support, practical assistance with household chores such as cooking and cleaning, encouragement to “live positively” through good nutrition with locally available foods, talking openly about one’s HIV status, and preventing the infection’s further spread.  Referrals for medical treatment are made in coordination with local government and religious health institutions. 

Home based care volunteers receive 84 hours of training and education and then are supervised on a monthly basis by Catholic Aids Action staff.  Catholic Aids Action volunteers are now providing a key role for individuals enrolled in anti-retroviral treatment programs, providing support for patients for medication adherence and compliance.  Volunteers are also daily in their communities providing awareness information and education and working to decrease stigma and discrimination toward people living with Aids and HIV.