Family caregivers' and patients' experiences with first-ever stroke survivors in Hong Kong: what contributed to positive recovery?

This Free journal suppl. entitled: 2015 GSA Annual Scientific Meeting AbstractsConference Theme: Aging as a Lifelong ProcessSession 405 (Symposium)OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore family experiences contributing to positive recovery from stroke among family caregivers and first-ever stroke survivors discharged from hospital within 1 year. METHODS: Data were collected using semi-structured qualitative interviews with 30 dyads of first-ever stroke survivors and their family caregivers. Transcriptions were conducted and analyzed using thematic analyses by two researchers independently. FINDINGS: Family caregivers and first-ever stroke survivors reflected on three main themes relating to positive recovery: (1) positive illness perception; (2) embracing lifestyle modification; and (3) enhanced dyadic supportive relationship between caregiver and care receiver. Implications: The present study described the survivors’ and caregivers’ lived experience related to adaptive coping after stroke. The results would guide the clinical and psychosocial interventions for improving recovery outcome of first stroke survivors.link_to_OA_fulltex