Stroke Caregivers

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was a) to identify the types and frequency of caregiving problems and associated stress and coping effectiveness. Secondary purposes were a) to examine changes in problem frequency, stress, and coping effectiveness, over time; and b) to identify relationships between problem stress and personal, illness, coping, and well-being variables. A stress and coping model guided the study. Fifty-eight caregivers participated during the first four months caregiving. Caregiver and stroke survivor demographic and well-being data were collected during acute rehabilitation. Three problem-related themes emerged: interpersonal disruptions (IPD), sustaining the self and family (SS&F), and stroke survivor functioning (SF), Although SS&F problems were most frequent, IPD problems were rated most stressful and lowest in coping effectiveness. A component of emotional distress, either anxiety or depression, was related significantly (p <.05) to the stress level of each problem theme. Counseling on problem solving strategies may improve caregiver well-being.

Incongruence between stroke survivor and spouse perceptions of survivor functioning and effects on spouse mental health: a mixed-methods pilot study

“…As described earlier, existing literature about incongruent appraisal between patients and caregivers tends to focus on the implications of incongruence for the patient, whereas existing caregiving literature tends to indirectly address the effects of incongruence on spousal caregivers by examining only spouse perceptions (Cecil et al, 2010;Franks et al, 2002;Gosman-Hedstr€ om & Dahlin-Ivanoff, 2012;Grant et al, 2004;Heijmans et al, 1999;King et al, 2010). This study is therefore unique in that it brings these closely related lines of research together.…”

“…Our current understanding about how incongruence in illness appraisals may impact stroke spousal caregivers is indirectly informed by qualitative studies that describe the distress spouses experience when they perceive that survivors are trying to do too much too soon, putting themselves at unnecessary risk, or not adhering to therapy recommendations or medical regimens (Cecil et al, 2010;GosmanHedstr€ om & Dahlin-Ivanoff, 2012;Grant, Glandon, Elliott, Giger, & Weaver, 2004;King, Ainsworth, Ronen, & Hartke, 2010). These findings are supported by quantitative studies with large samples.…”

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

“…Family members realized at some point that the continuation of life for the whole family was important. They also gained strength when caring for the loved one as they felt the value of life enjoyed the feeling of being needed, strived for a positive attitude on life, and learned new skills [23,33,52] . It was demanding to adapt to life as a caregiver, including giving physical help to the loved one and adapting to a new role regarding making decisions inside of the family.…”

“…The other family members were a support network. The changes in the stroke patient`s personality sometimes made the family member feel like an outsider in the situation [23][24][25][30][31][32][33][34] . Family members related that during the course of stroke it was very difficult to care for their loved one.…”

“…Worries about economic situations and decreasing finances, and later the possibility that the loved one might go back to work caused stress for the family members. For most of them, staying hopeful was difficult when it seemed the situation would never change [33] . The quality of life of the stroke patient influenced the emotional wellbeing of the caregiver and vice versa [53,54] .…”