Family carers of stroke survivors: needs, knowledge, satisfaction and competence in caring

Abstract

Carers are able to anticipate and prioritise their needs, value communication with staff and involvement with discharge-planning, but particular difficulties were experienced by younger female carers and those from non-White ethnic groups. This requires particular attention when developing targeted interventions for family carers from a mixed ethnic community. In-depth and longitudinal studies are needed to detail psychosocial needs and guide practice particularly amongst non-White family carers.

Strain experienced by caregivers of stroke survivors in the Western Cape

“…This problem is echoed by studies from the United Kingdom (MacKenzie et al 2007) and Canada (Rochette et al 2007). Similarly Kleineibst (2007) and Wasserman et al (2009) mention finan cial challenges and changes in employ ment status as a major cause of caregiver strain.…”

“…South African studies found similar to higher levels of strain in caregivers of stroke sufferers (Wasserman et al 2009; (WCRC), a specialist rehabilitation centre, during 2006. Family carers were defined as a family member or friend who was primarily responsible for the day to day care duties in a non insti tutional set ting (MacKenzie et al 2007).…”

A structured training programme for caregivers of inpatients after stroke (TRACS): a cluster randomised controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis

“…2 Substantial reliance and burden is placed on informal caregivers, usually family members, to provide assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing and toileting after hospital discharge, 3 which can aff ect caregivers' physical and psychosocial wellbeing. 4,5 The economic value of the informal care provided is substantial. 6,7 Eff ective interventions directed at care givers of patients who have had a stroke are important both to sustain their own health and to improve the recovery and adjustment of the patient who has had a stroke.…”

The everyday life of adult family members of working aged survivors of stroke during the first year after the stroke – an integrative review

“…The older family members wanted to keep external framework of the family in good condition and they were extremely happy to the care of the stoke patient. This helped them to cope during the difficult times [36,44,45] . The very exact information distributed in a website (StrokEngine, Caretalk, Caring -Web) developed in Canada and the USA which dealt with stroke and rehabilitation, and the possibility to be in contact with the healthcare professionals and peers, received positive feedback from family members.…”