Educational program for family caregivers of stroke survivors -

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the adult population. Complications due to stroke account for a significant proportion of admission into Lebanese hospitals, as it does in many other countries. It leaves the survivors with impairments and disabilities; these may include the loss of body functions and structures, activities limitations, and participation restrictions. Family members become an integral part of the long-term care of these patients who continue to require the assistance of a caregiver.The caregiver burden following stroke is increasingly recognized as a significant health care concern. Family caregivers need to be supported by the multidisciplinary team to get involved in treatment decisions, assessed for their learning needs in their new responsibilities, contacted after discharge for follow up and referrals as needed, attended to their physical and emotional health, and provided with the needed information for them to care for their beloved stroke victim The designed educational program for caregivers of stroke survivors is a combination of psycho educational interventions, skills-building interventions as well as support interventions. The program integrates guidelines and recommendations related to stroke caregiver education and preparation into clinical practice. It motivates them to take on their new role by providing them with all the necessary information about stroke and how it affects the survivor, the caregivers, and the family as a system, and by developing and strengthening their management skills. Moreover, it allows the multidisciplinary team of healthcare professional to offer support, thus helping the caregivers to properly cope with all the physical and emotional stress resulting from the experience.