Every patient needs different care. Impairments may affect eating and drinking, using the toilet, movements, walking, and personal hygiene. Affected patients will need help from family members or external caregivers.

Losing their independence can make the patients feel helpless. Sadness, fears, and a lack of self-confidence can further complicate reintegration into social life.

Family members provide the majority of home care. A partner, parents, or children are often the first to care for a family member who has experienced a stroke.

Some see this kind of care as the unquestioned natural course of action. Unfortunately, not enough attention is paid to the challenges faced by family caregivers. Caring for a family member can be a physical, emotional, and psychological strain.

Giving care requires a large amount of the family members’ time. It can be difficult or even impossible to combine care and work. Family members providing care either shoulder a double burden or put their careers on hold.

Caring for a family member can be a heavy burden and may cause exhaustion, hopelessness, fatigue, reduced physical health, depression, anxiety, social isolation, and/or financial problems.

Despite all the burdens, there are positive aspects of caring for a family member. The feeling of being needed, being able to give something back, or doing something to help are often motivators for family caregivers.

There are several ways to support family members who provide care. Depending on the degree of care, regional infrastructure, and insurance coverage, support options may include:

• Reducing the strain on family members by exemption from work or reducing working time
• Assistants for daily tasks to offer support at home for a few hours
• Home care or support services
• Day-time care centers for the elderly
• By-the-hour care in day-time and/or night-time care institutions
• Live-in caregivers or domestic aides
• Short-term in-patient care in dedicated institutions

Social institutions or support groups offer classes for family members providing care. They provide knowledge regarding first aid, ergonomics, hygiene, medication, mental hygiene, financial support, and other topics.

Support groups for caring family members are also an opportunity for exchange and networking. Even just talking to others facing similar challenges can help.

Caregiving family members need to make sure that they look after themselves and seek support when needed.

Having an external caregiver provide care for a patient with stroke at home can be a tremendous relief. External caregivers help with personal hygiene (washing, dressing and undressing), prepare meals and assist with eating if necessary. They mobilize patients, help them get up, sit up or change position in the bed.

A professional caregiver can become an important contact person for patients and their families. They can educate and give advice regarding accessing financial, psychological, and legal support. External staff has enough distance not to let daily challenges become too personal. Family members are often hindered by emotions that can complicate care.

Professional caregivers are not responsible for household work or medical tasks.

Sources:

Perception of post-stroke patients on case management conducted by nurses, 2021

The Effect of Home Care for Stroke Patients and Education of Caregivers on the Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life, 2019

Occupational therapy for adults with problems in activities of daily living after stroke, 2017