Caregivers of stroke survivors are at risk for developing depression and complications from chronic stress, according to a study.
According to background information in the study, published in Biological Research for Nursing, the National Family Caregiver Association reports that up to 80% of stroke survivors are cared for by family members. They help survivors manage their physical and cognitive dysfunction, which can include paralysis, personality changes, urinary incontinence and speech difficulties.
"Stroke survivors can suffer significant and lasting disabilities that may require lifelong support from family and other caregivers," Karen Saban, RN, PhD, APRN, CNRN, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at the Loyola University-Chicago Marcelle Niehoff School of Nursing, said in a news release.
"Many families struggle to provide 24-hour care for their loved ones. This burden places the caregivers at risk for depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances, which can harm quality of life and heighten their risk for other health problems."
The study evaluated 45 women who were caring for a family member who had experienced a stroke during the past year. The study cohort had a median age of 55.8 and spent an average of 50.7 hours per week providing care. The women completed surveys about perceived stress, caregiver burden, social support, quality of sleep and depressive symptoms. They also provided saliva samples to test cortisol levels four times a day for two days.
Results revealed that women had high levels of perceived stress and caregiver burden and poor quality of sleep. The study also found that the burden of caring for a stroke victim increased the risk of depressive symptoms and stress. This burden can include financial strain, home confinement, changes in the relationship with the care recipient, noncompliance of the stroke survivor, demands of caring for the stroke victim and having little personal time for oneself.
To read the study abstract and access the study via subscription or purchase, visit http://bit.ly/LxK2TS.
Additional findings
Another Loyola study, published this year in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, found that female caregivers of stroke survivors mourn the life they once shared with the stroke survivor. They struggle to cope with multiple family and work demands while trying their best to interact with healthcare providers to attain the best possible care for their loved one.
That study also found that healthcare providers can assist caregivers in identifying their needs and referring them to appropriate resources related to assistance with care, transportation, nutrition and ongoing education.
"This was one of the first studies to look at the unique needs of women caring for stroke survivors," Saban said. "Recognizing the challenges of these caregivers may help healthcare professionals better support these women."
To download a PDF of that study, visit http://bit.ly/OeC9Fl.
According to background information in the study, published in Biological Research for Nursing, the National Family Caregiver Association reports that up to 80% of stroke survivors are cared for by family members. They help survivors manage their physical and cognitive dysfunction, which can include paralysis, personality changes, urinary incontinence and speech difficulties.
"Stroke survivors can suffer significant and lasting disabilities that may require lifelong support from family and other caregivers," Karen Saban, RN, PhD, APRN, CNRN, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at the Loyola University-Chicago Marcelle Niehoff School of Nursing, said in a news release.
"Many families struggle to provide 24-hour care for their loved ones. This burden places the caregivers at risk for depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances, which can harm quality of life and heighten their risk for other health problems."
The study evaluated 45 women who were caring for a family member who had experienced a stroke during the past year. The study cohort had a median age of 55.8 and spent an average of 50.7 hours per week providing care. The women completed surveys about perceived stress, caregiver burden, social support, quality of sleep and depressive symptoms. They also provided saliva samples to test cortisol levels four times a day for two days.
Results revealed that women had high levels of perceived stress and caregiver burden and poor quality of sleep. The study also found that the burden of caring for a stroke victim increased the risk of depressive symptoms and stress. This burden can include financial strain, home confinement, changes in the relationship with the care recipient, noncompliance of the stroke survivor, demands of caring for the stroke victim and having little personal time for oneself.
To read the study abstract and access the study via subscription or purchase, visit http://bit.ly/LxK2TS.
Additional findings
Another Loyola study, published this year in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, found that female caregivers of stroke survivors mourn the life they once shared with the stroke survivor. They struggle to cope with multiple family and work demands while trying their best to interact with healthcare providers to attain the best possible care for their loved one.
That study also found that healthcare providers can assist caregivers in identifying their needs and referring them to appropriate resources related to assistance with care, transportation, nutrition and ongoing education.
"This was one of the first studies to look at the unique needs of women caring for stroke survivors," Saban said. "Recognizing the challenges of these caregivers may help healthcare professionals better support these women."
To download a PDF of that study, visit http://bit.ly/OeC9Fl.
Send comments to editor@nurse.com or post comments below.
