Abstract
BackgroundStroke survivors often experience permanent or temporal physical and psychological stroke impairments. As a result, stroke survivors are often discharged to recover in their home environments and are cared for mostly by family members. Additionally, caregiving roles are often assumed without any formal training or preparation whatsoever. This can transform the family’s functional patterns due to adjustments that are made to accommodate the caregiving needs.ObjectivesTo explore the experiences and influence of stroke on families and on family functioning.MethodExplorative descriptive qualitative research design through the use of in-depth interviews were employed as the means of data collection. The sample size was eight (8) family members and was guided by the saturation point. Data was thematically analysed.ResultsFour themes emerged from the analysis: 1) reduced interactions with family members due to communication barriers, 2) the influence of stroke on family relationships, 3) emotional engagement in caring for a family member with a stroke and 4) financial implications of stroke on family functioning. This study found that stroke can influence the family functioning negatively as family members may be forced to change their functional patterns. However, some family members reported positive experiences, they developed a supportive structure to accommodate the new life of the stroke survivor.ConclusionUsing the McMaster’s model of family functioning, this study found that stroke is a threat to the six dimensions of family functioning: 1) problem-solving, 2) communication, 3) roles, 4) affective responsiveness, 5) affective involvement, and 6) behaviour control.
Highlights
Stroke is a public health concern with a devastating impact on the individual’s health and wellbeing, especially in developing countries such as South Africa (Kumar, Kaur & Reddemma 2015; Rhoda 2014)
The focus of this article was on family functioning after a family member has experienced a stroke
The perspectives of family members revealed that stroke becomes a burden to the family and has a significant impact on their daily functioning
Summary
Stroke is a public health concern with a devastating impact on the individual’s health and wellbeing, especially in developing countries such as South Africa (Kumar, Kaur & Reddemma 2015; Rhoda 2014). As a result of decreased physical functioning, stroke survivors may find it difficult to actively participate or engage in social activities (Whitiana, Vitriana & Cahyani 2017). This may lead to social isolation and contribute to depression and feelings of helplessness (Brookfield & Mead 2016). Maintaining supportive ties with family members, relatives and close friends has been found to exert a positive influence on the life of the stroke survivor (Kumar, Kaur & Reddemma 2016; Rhoda 2014). This can transform the family’s functional patterns due to adjustments that are made to accommodate the caregiving needs
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