An exploratory study of support given to caregivers at non-profit organisations based in Cape Town, South Africa

In this study, the researcher investigated the types of support available to, and needed by, caregivers employed by non-profit organisations (NPOs) based in Cape Town, South Africa. Semi-structured interviews were done with caregivers and caregiver supervisors from four different NPOs based in Cape Town. The interviews were done on a face-to-face basis and included mostly open-ended questions. 23 caregivers, including 2 male and 21 female caregivers, as well as 4 caregiver supervisors were interviewed. Through qualitative data analysis using Tesch’s approach (1990 in De Vos, Strydom, Fouché and Delport 2002), it was found that caregivers were supported by the NPOs they work for. Caregivers had social support from other staff such as social workers, supervisors and other colleagues. The caregivers also had access to training facilities from their NPOs and from the National Association for Child Care Workers (NACCW). Moreover, three out of the four NPOs participating in the study had transport facilities for caregivers to take children to school and other places. The NPOs also organised occasional recreational activities for caregivers. Caregivers were dissatisfied with their salary level and other financial rewards were not common. All the NPOs tried to provide some form of counselling or listening service for caregivers.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Social Development

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Jatoonah, Sandra Sherila

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Atmore, Eric

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11696

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/11696