This workbook and its companion volumes are the outcome of a participatory research and development project, which involved urban and rural women caring for elderly people at home. Based on the experiences of these carers, four workshops covering the essentials of care for the elderly were designed, tested, revised, and are published here. This workbook, in English, is designed specifically for professional and non-professional carers in training. It contains complete workshop designs covering four priorities: the ageing process; mobility; nutrition; and how to prevent bed sores. Included are charts, games and role plays, as well as case studies and notes for the trainers. Companion volumes, in Sotho, Tswana, Xhosa and Zulu, are also available. They are intended for use by workshop participants to reinforce their learning. They cover the same ground as the English workbook, but without the workshop design. These materials are non-prescriptive and flexible, and can be adapted to suit the needs of different groups.