Table 2.

Summary of results

Emotional impact of caregiving

Emotional suffering was the most common consequence of becoming having to take care of their family member’s posy stroke condition. Some participants were experiencing depressive symptoms such as tiredness, sadness, extreme sensitivity, difficulty sleeping, lack of motivation and physical symptoms, e.g. headaches. One participant even expressed suicidal ideation.

Stress factors affecting caregivers

The most frequently mentioned stress factors were the lack of independence and time to engage in social activities, e.g. going out with friends or visiting relatives. The time, effort and amount of caregiving activities are perceived as overwhelming. The financial impact that caregiving has on the caretakers’ lives was another common stress factor.

Caregivers’ coping mechanisms and support received

Family support, especially financial support from relatives was an important support received by participants. They also received family help for tasks such as feeding the patient, taking the patient to the hospital, household activities, such as cooking, cleaning or taking care of the children. Some also received in-kind help like diapers or food. However, caregivers described most of these actions as occasional and unreliable.

Caregivers’ perceived needs

Almost all participants expressed the need to see a psychologist or another specialist to improve their mental health, but most of them did not receive any professional help at the time of the interview.