Caregiver Strain and Caregiver Burden of Primary Caregivers of Stroke Survivors with and Without Aphasia

Abstract

Little is known about how the burden and strain of caring for stroke patients with or without aphasia affects primary caregivers. This article (a) critically examines the literature on the burden and strain of care experienced by caregivers of stroke patients and (b) examines the relationship between aphasia and caregiver burden and strain. Two literature reviews of three databases were conducted. Fourteen articles (12 quantitative articles, 1 mixed-design article, and 1 qualitative article) were found to comply with the study criteria for the first literature search. A second literature search focused on the effects of stroke survivors' aphasia on caregiving; none of the articles retrieved met the inclusion criteria. This article suggests that there is a lack of research in this area and that several key initiatives are needed, including the development of an instrument with psychometric properties appropriate for assessing the burden and strain on caregivers of stroke patients. Implications for future nursing practice and research are highlighted.

Communication changes and SLP services according to significant others of persons with aphasia

“…This attitude could be interpreted as a need for support and concern rather than lacking interest in the rehabilitation of the PwA. It is well known that SOs of persons with stroke and aphasia often experience a stressful situation (Draper & Brocklehurst, 2007;Michallet et al, 2003;Rombough, Howse, & Bartfay, 2006;Visser-Meily et al, 2009). …”

Needs, barriers and facilitators experienced by spouses of people with aphasia

“…Therefore, changes in couples' interpersonal communication and roles, responsibilities and relationships follow [10]. Spouses who care for their partner who has a communication problem are at greater risk than those who care for a partner without associated aphasia, for developing mental health problems and experiencing diminished quality of life [11][12][13][14][15].…”

Perceived Burden of Thai Caregivers for Older Adults After Stroke

“…The highest burden, however, was associated with coexisting musculoskeletal conditions because these conditions might affect mobility and patients would thus require more assistance with daily activities. Other explanations were the different tools used for caregiver burden assessment such as Caregiving Burden Scale (CBS), Caregivers Strain Index (CSI), Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), Caregiver Reactions Assessment (CRA), Physical Caregiving Responsibility Inventory (PCRI), and Positive Caregiver Scale (PCS) (Bhattacharjee et al, 2012;Muangpaisan et al, 2010;Rombough et al, 2006;Van Durme et al, 2012). These different scoring methods make it hard to compare the results directly.…”