Lived Experiences of Taking Care of Elderly Patients with First Onset of Stroke within One Month After Being Discharged from Hospital and Returning Home

DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC16.52

Authors: Kuei-Fen Liu, Hung-Ru Lin

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of family caregivers taking care of patients with the first onset of stroke within one month after being discharged from hospital and returning home. A qualitative design using phenomenological method was applied to conduct the in-depth interviews and analyze data. Using purposive sampling, 20 family caregivers were recruited. Analysis of the interviews revealed 4 themes: emotional ups and downs with care, changing of care strategies, overcoming difficulties, and pushing the patient towards recovery.

Keywords: lived experiences; first onset of stroke; family caregiver; after being discharged