Informal stroke rehabilitation: what do Thai caregivers perform?

Abstract

Our aim was to explore the informal rehabilitation activities performed by Thai caregivers for stroke survivors at home. Twenty primary informal caregivers were individually interviewed, using semi-structured questions developed by researchers, to investigate the informal rehabilitation activities provided for the stroke survivors at their homes. All interviews were audiotape recorded and some pictures of rehabilitation activities were taken during data collection. The data collected underwent content analysis. Findings revealed three major categories of rehabilitation activities - biological, psychological and social rehabilitation. Biological rehabilitation was the most frequently undertaken by all Thai caregivers. Several methods were used to rehabilitate the stroke survivors in each category, based on the scientific background and cultural beliefs of the caregivers and survivors. In conclusion, informal caregivers always have in mind all activities, thus providing a holistic approach for informal rehabilitation. This plays a very significant role in minimizing residual disabilities, preventing related complications and sustaining the well-being of stroke survivors. Health professionals should motivate caregivers of stroke survivors to maintain informal rehabilitation activity at home. Additionally, health care providers should be concerned about the coordination between institutional and informal rehabilitation in order to better optimize the quality of care provided at home.

Solidão na perspectiva do idoso

“…With the increase in longevity and single-member families, this situation is increasingly common, and can also be a reason for premature institutionalization. 9,20,26,27 Most (79.4%) of the respondents stated they rarely/never or sometimes feel lonely, and it was the elderly who live in homes who, proportionally, most reported feeling always or almost always lonely, followed by those who live only with their spouse, who is also elderly and/or often sick.…”

“…Indeed, family conflicts often appear to underlie feelings of loneliness in the elderly, even when the individual is surrounded by other elements. 3,13,14,20,24,26,27 One of the respondents cited a dog as his significant element. It is evident that animals, though they do not replace human relationships, can play an important emotional role in the lives of the elderly, a fact that should not be overlooked.…”

“…Various authors have reported that females predominate in the provision of elderly care. 25,26 The reasons given by the respondents for the selection of the significant person varied, ranging from the person providing economic support to being their principal caregiver and/or emotional support.…”

Physiotherapy after stroke in Ireland: a qualitative insight into the patients' and physiotherapists' experience

“…One suggestion has been that 'physiotherapists need to develop strategies whereby patients and caregivers take full responsibility for the bulk of therapy -for instance, training of balance, strength and endurance, repetition of simple tasks, group therapy, fitness-related training and family involvement' (De Weerdt and Feys, 2002). This sentiment has been re-iterated by several other authors (Morimoto et al, 2001;Jullamate et al, 2006Jullamate et al, , 2007.…”

Informal stroke rehabilitation: what are the main reasons of Thai caregivers?

“…It is becoming an increasingly important cause of death in the developing world, especially in Asian countries (Jullamate et al, 2006). In Thailand, stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in 2004 with the mortality rate being 34.8 per 100 000 population (Thailand Ministry of Public Health, 2005).…”