The family's role in stroke rehabilitation. A review of the literature.

Clinical and research attention in stroke care has been on managing the acute stage of stroke recovery and on evaluating the effectiveness of relatively short-term rehabilitation programs. However, studies suggest that stroke can diminish quality of life and the well-being of patients' families. This article reviews the literature pertaining to the effects of stroke on family functioning and discusses stroke in terms of clinical problems that make rehabilitation a family dilemma. Issues identified in the literature include the need for family assessment, education, advocacy and counseling to foster treatment compliance and social support after stroke.