Caregiver experiences of social support following stroke

Informal caregivers need to support their loved ones while performing caregiving responsibilities. A phenomenological qualitative study was done to understand the role of social support accessible for stroke caregivers.

The respondents were enrolled from different organizations or support groups who were conducting activities specifically for stroke victims and/or their caregivers. Data collection was concluded after 10 participants were interviewed as no new major themes were discovered. Hence, saturation of data was obtained with a sample of 10 respondents.

Two themes were identified from the interviews: "Response to Stroke" and "Stress and Coping". Categories in theme one "Response to Stroke" were "Work Life Balance", "Reaction of Other People or Family to Stroke", and "Expectations and Responsibility from Caregivers". Categories in theme two "Stress and Coping" were "Impact of Stroke on Abilities of Victim", "Stressors and Concerns for the Caregivers", "Strategies used by Caregivers to Cope with Stress", and "Role of Support Group and Social Support to Stroke Caregiver and Care Recipient".

Stroke can lead to stress that can alter the responsibilities of caregivers of stroke victims. The role of social support and support groups was found to be critical for family caregivers to cope with caregiving issues.