You help an older or unwell person live well at home. The work is mostly company, meals, bathing and dressing, walks, reminders and errands.
Two ways to start
- Through an agency: the agency finds the families, sets the rate and pays you. It takes a share.
- Private families: you agree the hours and pay directly, usually through referrals.
- What you may and may not do
section 31 of the Nursing Act says only people registered with the South African Nursing Council may practise nursing. Tasks such as wound care and injections are nursing work. You can remind someone to take their own medicine and report changes to the family or nurse.
- Employed or self-employed?
If one family employs you regularly, you are a worker with the right to at least the minimum wage (R30.23 an hour from 1 March 2026), UIF and leave.
A good sign: a first paid shift within three weeks.