Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

Types of Help Provided by Caregivers Following a Stroke: Optimizing Participation in Daily Activities and Social Roles According to Cognitive Deficits

Chantal Caron, Johanne Desrosiers, Chantal Viscogliosi and Sylvie Belleville

Objectives: This study aimed 1) to explore the types of help provided by caregivers to optimize the level of
participation in daily activities and social roles of older adults with cognitive deficits following a stroke, and 2) identify contextual factors that influence their choice.

Design: A descriptive qualitative design was used.

Subjects/Patients: Twelve family caregivers participated in the study.

Methods: Each caregiver was interviewed three times: one month, three months and six months following the care receiver’s discharge to the community after receiving services from an acute care hospital, rehabilitation unit or geriatric day hospital. Their care receiver had previously taken a battery of cognitive tests and answered a questionnaire on participation for another part of the study. Qualitative data were analyzed using the approach of Miles and Huberman.

Results: Caregivers’ types of help varied according to factors related to their own and the care receivers’
characteristics, their relationship and the environment. Caregivers provided various types of help including cognitive support, stimulation, supervision, teaching, repair, emotional support, physical assistance, situation avoidance, substitution and voluntary non-intervention. Some of these types of help are more appropriate to promote participation.

Conclusion: Understanding the context of help could enable professionals to partner better with caregivers to promote care receivers’ participation in daily activities and social roles.