Experiences of adult stroke survivors and their parent carers: a qualitative study. (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Lisa; Morris, Reg
• Is Part Of: Clinical rehabilitation. Volume 27:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: Stroke -- carers -- survivors -- qualitative -- parents; Medical rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1177/0269215512455532
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-2155

Abstract

Objective: To explore the experiences of adult stroke survivors and their parent carers. Design: Qualitative methodology: interpretative phenomenological analysis. Setting: Six residential areas across England and south Wales. Participants: Six adult stroke survivors (aged 27–46), six mothers (aged 59–76) and five fathers (aged 55–76). Method: Semi-structured interviews to explore the relationship and interactions between parent and survivor prior to and after a stroke, with opportunities to explore both positive and negative changes. All interviews were transcribed and analysed by a six step interpretative phenomenological analysis process. Survivors, mothers and fathers were analysed as three separate groups and the results were synthesised. Results: Identical and interconnected themes emerged from the three groups, permitting synthesis into a single organising framework with four superordinate themes capturing the key issues for all three groups. The four superordinate themes were: 'emotional turmoil'; 'significance of parents'; 'negotiating independence versus dependence' and 'changed relationships'. Conclusions: Parents reported adjusting to caring with relative ease. Survivors did not adjust to being cared for with such ease and felt positioned in a child role. Balancing independence and dependence was a challenge for survivors and parents and is considered within a systemic theory framework. Implications for service developments and guidelines are considered.