Background: Because the health condition of mild and moderate stroke survivors (Barthel Index score is 60-95) is not as serious as sever ones, medical staffs tend to pay fewer attentions on what those family caregivers’ needs. Consequently, family caregivers receive insufficient preparation of caregiving skills and knowledge before discharge. However, they indeed face various care difficulties after discharge.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of Taiwanese family caregiver of mild and moderate stroke survivors before discharge and what their expected needs after discharge were.
Method: A descriptive qualitative study design was used to collect and analyze data. Seven family caregivers of mild and moderate stroke survivors each had around one hour face-to-face interview before discharge, during August to November, 2014.
Findings: During hospitalization, family caregivers experienced six difficult situations. Worrying falls was the most common one, and dealing with their stroke survivors’ emotional problem was the most difficult situation. Though family caregivers indicated they really didn’t know what needs they might face after discharge, they highlighted seven expected needs. Preventing recurrent stroke and falls, installing handrails, and remodeling bathroom and toilet settings were the most expected needs after discharge.
Recommendations: Though those family caregivers face less care problems than sever stroke caregivers, systematically assessing their needs and providing essential caregiving training are still greatly needed. In addition, medical staffs should prepare family caregivers ahead to deal with their possible care difficulties at home to ensure their confidence of care at home.
