Theoretical Framework: A theoretical framework was derived from the concept of dependent care agency in Orem’s Self-Care theory and the concepts of family caregiver of the elderly and chronically ill patient.

Design: Descriptive research design.

Sample and Methods: The purposive sample consisted of 80 primary caregivers of stroke patients who admitted to medical wards of 2 tertiary hospitals in the Southern of Thailand. Demographics data of the caregivers and patients as well as patients’ activities of daily living were assessed through questionnaire. Participant observation and open ended-interview were used to evaluate the primary caregivers’ capabilities in meeting patients’ self-care requisites.

Finding: The results of this study indicated that the stroke patients had severe self-care limitations. The overall of primary caregivers’ capabilities in caring was evaluated at the levels fair to good. They could meet patient’s demands at the level good in (1) maintenance of sufficient intakes of water and food; (2) provided subsequent hygiene care; (3) provided sleep and rest; and (4) provided social interaction.

Conclusion and Implication: The capability of the primary caregiver is a key component of continuity care during the transitioning from hospital based to home care. The results of this study provided basic knowledge for nursing intervention development focus on the caregiver of stroke patient.

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Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004