OBJECTIVE: To identify individuals, information, skills, and services family caregivers of stroke survivors state are essential during the first 3 months of caregiving.
DESIGN: Descriptive
POPULATION, SAMPLE, SETTING: A sample of 32 family caregivers of stroke survivors responded to a questionnaire after 3 months of caring for a stroke survivor in the home. Participants were entered over 18 months.
VARIABLES: Needs to design interventions to assist caregivers of stroke survivors were conceptualized as a 4-dimensional model consisting of individuals, information, skills, and services.
METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to family caregivers of stroke survivors. Content and quantitative data analysis were used to identify individuals, information, skills, and services family caregivers felt were essential during the first 3 months of caring for the stroke survivor.
FINDINGS: Essential individuals in the caregivng process during the first 3 months were various medical and allied health professionals, family, and the higher power of God. Key information needed by family caregivers related to the purpose of various therapies, stroke, and activities of daily living. Skills centered primarily on activities of daily living. Useful services were provided by home health, daycare, and various therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech pathology. Family caregivers also identified that the individuals, information, skills, and services they received were not adequate and requested additional assistance in all four areas.
CONCLUSIONS: Family members need assistance to meet the challenges of caregiving after stroke survivors are discharged from a rehabilitative facility.
IMPLICATIONS: Health care professionals need to design interventions to assist family caregivers of stroke survivors in the caregiving process.
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