Abstract TMP81: Long Term Well-Being in Informal Caregivers in Relation to Functional Dependency of Stroke Survivors - Observations From the Swedish Stroke Register

Abstract

Background: Informal caregivers to stroke survivors provide a large amount of day-to-day assistance, which can put significant strain on their well-being. The aims of this study were to describe caregiver assistance, community support as well as long-term psychological well-being of caregivers in relation to degree of dependency of the stroke survivor. Method: Data on patients with stroke in 2011 and 2013 with a corresponding 3- and 5-year follow-up from both the stroke survivor and their informal caregiver (forming dyads) were obtained from the Swedish Stroke Register. Variables relating to caregiver assistance, community support and caregiver psychological well-being were analyzed. Psychological health was assessed using questions translated from the 36-item short-form health survey. Results: In total, 5063 dyads were included. The degree of survivor dependency was a strong predictor of poor psychological health in caregivers. Poor psychological well-being was present in 35.6% of caregivers of completely dependent survivors, 18.5% of the partially dependent and 9% of the independent. In a wide range of activities of daily living almost half of caregivers of completely dependent survivors provided assistance often or always. Moreover, 68% of informal caregivers to completely dependent patients were unable to leave the survivor alone for more than 3 hours and 89.6% had less time to pursue own interests. There was also a significant unmet need for caregiver support. Conclusion: Degree of survivor dependency was a strong predictor of poor caregiver psychological health. Survivor and caregiver health were closely interrelated and support needs to be provided to both groups.