Family Needs of Caregivers of Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Background: After a stroke, patient often suffers varying degree of disability that requires immediate hospital care and extended home care. Therefore, caregivers assume multiple roles to fulfil the needs of survivors at home. The current study aim to explore various needs felt by the caregivers of stroke survivors at home. Methods: A cross sectional community-based survey was carried out. Hundred participants were enrolled purposively. Modified family needs questionnaire (FNQ) was used to identify the needs of the caregivers. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the results. Results: ‘Health information’, ‘Professional support’ and ‘Involvement of care’ sub scales were the most important needs areas of the caregivers. The most important needs were within ‘Health information’, ‘Instrumental support’ and ‘Professional support’ sub scale and least important needs fell within ‘Emotional support’, and ‘Community support’ areas in the caregivers. Conclusions: Assessment of Family needs amongst the caregivers of individuals with stroke is important for all health care professionals in understanding problems from the caregivers’ perspective. Intervention should be designed and implemented for successful home rehabilitation of stroke survivors.