Table 3.

Results: Summary of themes

Themes	Sub themes
Theme 1: Experiences of managing stroke Participants described how stroke recovery played out as a trajectory that included a process of adaption to a new way of living day-to-day. Many participants reported how their rehabilitation needs were not readily met by the healthcare system. Their process of recovery was therefore hindered by a sense of being left to their own devices to access resources.	Unmet needs Participants described the many ways in which stroke survivors’ and caregivers’ goals for recovery, and rehabilitation needs were not met. Fulfilling unmet needs Participants described how they circumvented barriers to acquiring appropriate rehabilitation that fulfilled their unmet needs.
Theme 2: Resources of support Participants described their various sources of financial and societal support.	Financial support Participants described how their socioeconomic status significantly influenced their ability to obtain the rehabilitation services and support they perceived they needed to meet their goals. Social support Participants described how social support was a significant positive influence on stroke rehabilitation for stroke survivor and spousal caregivers.