Table 3. Critical points identified by caregivers.

The experiences of spouse caregivers of patients who have suffered a stroke in terms of needs and demands to facilitate the transition to caregiving are condense in the idea of:
BEING AWARE AND VISUALISING CRITICAL POINTS IN CAREGIVING
Being Critical Points the following:
“CAREGIVING AND THAT´S ALL”	“BREAKING THE COUPLE´S LIFE TOGETHER”	“GOING THROUGH THE (NON) LOSS ALONE”
Is living…	Is living…	Is living…
… A “Life without horizons”, a “New non-life”, with “Dark future”.	…Coping with my spouse as “someone else” (different to one he/she was before), with “me as caregiver” (having lost my previous identity) and with a “new relationship” between us.	… Facing “the caregiver´s acquired disability”.
… Feeling “Stuck to the role of caregiver” with “Attachment and persistence in care”, and “Short breaks needed”.	… Working hard for “Seeking for the essence of the other” and “Reconnecting”.	… “Crying in loneliness”.