Effect of Education and Support on Stress and Wellbeing of Caregivers of Persons with a Stroke

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the level of burden and quality of life of family caregivers of persons affected by a stroke and further examine if an occupational therapy-led education would assist in alleviating stress and improving the overall perception of well-being. The project used a mixed quantitative and qualitative pretest-posttest design with a small convenience sample of seven family caregivers of persons with stroke. Caregivers were educated on strategies for caregiving and wellbeing for self in a group format. Caregivers who completed the 6-week educational modules indicated decreased stress and improved perceptions of wellbeing in themselves. The study outcomes support the use of education to assist caregivers in balancing their life by taking care of their health and well-being. This conclusion emphasizes the need for a structured educational program for caregivers in addition to the primary interventions to the care recipients.