Long-term caregiving after stroke: the impact on caregivers' quality of life.

Abstract

This study examined the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and overall quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers of stroke survivors to determine changes over time and to identify QOL predictors. Caregivers were interviewed after 1.5 and 2 years of caregiving. The scores on the mental subscales were significantly lower than on the age- and sex-matched population norms. The most important predictors of QOL were the stroke survivor's behavioral disturbances and reintegration into normal patterns of living. Caregivers who reported fewer stroke-survivor behavioral disturbances and well-adjusted reintegration also reported a higher personal QOL. These results highlight the impact of a stroke on the caregiver's HRQL and QOL, even after 2 years, and the importance of interventions for caregivers.