Psychosocial aspects of caregiving to stroke patients.

A high percentage of individuals who have suffered a stroke will be cared for at home, primarily by aging spouses and/or relatives. Providing care to a family member with a chronic or life-threatening condition can be both emotionally rewarding and distressing for the care provider. The objective of this research was to test the factors associated with caregiver experiences. The findings of a convenience sample of 48 caregivers indicated that the higher the amount of caregiver burden, the greater the lifestyle impact and emotional distress for the caregiver. Caregiver satisfaction was not found to be associated with emotional well-being. The amount of support, both instrumental and social, did not improve the emotional well-being of the caregiver. The caregiver's sense of mastery was found to moderate the relationship between lifestyle impact and emotional well-being and also between caregiver satisfaction and emotional well-being.