Living with Loss: The Stroke Family Caregiver

Abstract

Stroke family caregiver self-losses are the focus of this study. The data presented here were collected as part of a larger study of stress, coping, and adaptation in stroke family caregiving. Information on personal losses was derivedfrom a series of intensive interviews over time with stroke caregivers involved in home careforfirst-time stroke survivors during the acute phase of recovery. Thematic analysis of audiotaped transcriptions indicated that family caregivers experienced four major self-losses in caringfor the stroke survivor in the home: loss of the familiar self, loss of the autonomous self, loss of the affiliative self, and loss of the knowing self. Implications for family-centered practice to address these four losses are discussed.