It was 14 years ago that Jane Peters started Grace Home Based Care in Port Shepstone following the death of a much-loved lady, Grace, whom Jane and her family were caring for.
“Shortly before she passed on, Grace urged me to open a home-based care agency. A week after Grace died, I did.” A qualified nurse, Jane has trained thousands of home-carers who are now doing the difficult job of caring for those who are ill and/or aged.
After moving to Newcastle with her family some six months ago, Jane carried on training home carers and has extended the course to the surrounding towns.
Last week, 20 local students graduated in home-based care, following months of hard work in class and passing exams. The youngest was 18 and the oldest 50 – proof that age does not count! The graduation ceremony was held in the Forestdale Civic Hall and attended by local Councillor, T Makhaba.

In her address, Mrs Makhaba expressed the importance of home nursing in the community with ‘passion and love’ being imperative qualities that the graduates must have. Jane, who is now managing director of Grace Home Based Care, congratulated the students, adding that it is not only about ‘education and passing exams but also to teach students to care with compassion’.
The company places nurses at homes regardless if the patient has a medical aid or survives on a Government grant. “Our aim is to care for those who need care in the comfort of their own homes,” Jane said. Pastor Joseph Smail also shared the theme of compassion and caring through his scripture reading. As for the students, all expressed their thanks to Jane and her team for taking the students under their collective wings to see them through the course. Thanks were also given to Orange Grove for their donation of refreshments, some of which were also handed to patients in need of nourishment. Jane also thanked the public for their monetary donations and donations of nappies, linen savers and more. “Special thanks to Mrs Makhaba and Eric Daniels who was our master of ceremonies on the day. Thanks to D Peyper for the vote of thanks and Pastor Smail for his attendance.” It is certain that the graduates of Grace Home Based Care will be making a difference where it matters. Graduate, Yolanda Johnson, said the course, which saw students attend lectures in the municipal library twice a week for three months, was ‘tough but so rewarding’. “I want to make a difference to those in need of care in my community. I learnt about first aid, CPR and HIV and cancer counselling and care. I want to thank Grace Home Based Care for this opportunity.” Any information on the training can be obtained from Jane at 061 212 9562.