Informal Caregiver Stroke Program in Geriatric Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to understand and gain insight into an informal caregiver program for caregivers of older stroke patients, which incorporates both skills training and education, in relation to caregiver burden. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with individual informal caregivers were conducted at admission, at discharge, and six weeks after discharge. The program consisted of informal caregiver meetings, walk-in days, psychoeducation, and weekend leave after admission to a rehabilitation stroke unit in a nursing home. Eleven informal caregivers participated in the study. The informal caregiver meetings and walk-in days provided more insight into the (level of) functioning of the stroke patients, more skills in guiding them, and better communication with the multidisciplinary care team. During weekend leave, caregivers experienced what their roles as caregivers entailed. Six weeks after discharge, caregivers said that they did not miss any guidance during admission and that they were positive about the future. About half of the caregivers found the caregiver situation disappointing, and combining care tasks with daily tasks appeared to be difficult. Offering informal caregivers a tailor-made program during rehabilitation and good communication helps to diminish caregiver burden in the post-discharge phase when their relatives are back home.

Automated summary

This study investigated an informal caregiver program for caregivers of older stroke patients, which included skills training and education, and its impact on caregiver burden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individual caregivers at different stages, and the program consisted of meetings, walk-in days, psychoeducation, and weekend leave. The findings showed that the program provided caregivers with better insight into the functioning of stroke patients, improved skills in guiding them, and enhanced communication with the care team. Caregivers expressed positive attitudes towards the future after discharge, though they found combining care tasks with daily tasks challenging. Offering a tailored program and effective communication during rehabilitation can help reduce caregiver burden in the post-discharge phase.