This information provided and
prepared by Dorothy
Edwards, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Occupational
Therapy and Neurology at Washington University School
of Medicine.
amily
caregivers and friends play a critical role in the recovery
from stroke, particularly as lengths of stay in hospitals
and rehabilitation settings continue to decrease. Stroke
recovery continues for at least two years after stroke
onset, so most of the support during this period comes
from informal sources including friends and family members.
Providing care for a stroke
patient can be an extremely rewarding experience. At
the same time it can be very stressful and frustrating
to be suddenly thrust into the position of caregiver
with little or no warning. It is crucial therefore,
to remember to cater to your own needs, in addition
to those of the patient.
Also important to note is
that stress tends to increase over time if the caregiver's
needs are not met. Some of those needs may include the
need for information (especially better understanding
of the emotional and behavioral changes), the need for
skills in the physical aspects of care, and the need
for support in the “case management” aspects of care.
In terms of emotional reactions, caregivers often feel
one or more of the following: anxiety, guilt, depression,
frustration, resentment, impatience, and fear. (Fear
that a stroke may happen again, fear that the stroke
survivor may be unable to accept the disabilities, fear
that the survivor may require nursing home placement,
fear that the caregiver may make mistakes, and fear
that families and friends will abandon them.) Coping
with these reactions is paramount to a healthier caregiver,
and ultimately, to a healthier patient.
For
more information and tips on caring for stroke survivors,
please visit Stroke Family Caregiving
for African-Americans. Desiged specifically with
African-American caregivers in mind, this site nontheless
contains universal information for stroke family caregivers
from all walks of life.
Caregiver.com A thorough directory of caregiver support sites
arranged by condition.
ElderCare
Online An excellent site featuring articles, links,
message boards, caregiver stories and Tips
on Being a Caregiver -- a nicely written article
on understanding your new role as a caregiver.
ElderWeb One of the first and finest sites devoted entirely
to caregiving.
Empowering
Caregivers
Message boards, original articles and many forms
of support for caregivers.
The information contained in this
web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended.
About Stroke
amily
caregivers and friends play a critical role in the recovery
from stroke, particularly as lengths of stay in hospitals
and rehabilitation settings continue to decrease. Stroke
recovery continues for at least two years after stroke
onset, so most of the support during this period comes
from informal sources including friends and family members.
format). 