Building a web of support for caregivers of persons with stroke.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States, with a cost of 30 billion US dollars annually. Most persons with stroke return home after initial treatment and are cared for by family members. Few researchers, however, have focused on Web-based interventions to strengthen caregivers'efforts. This article describes the development of Caring~Web, an online, in-home intervention of support for caregivers of persons with stroke. Through specifically designed Web pages, caregivers are able to ask questions of a nurse specialist and rehabilitation team, discuss issues with other caregivers and the nurse via email, and obtain educational information on stroke.