Stroke Recovery Focus Groups
In August, 2011, Hay Research International conducted a series of focus groups comprised of stroke survivors and caregivers for March of Dimes Canada’s Stroke Recovery Canada® program and Shoppers HomeHealthCare.
Each year over 50,000 Canadians will have a stroke. For the survivors and their families, life is completely changed. The survivor needs to adjust to the ‘new normal’ which often includes new physical disabilities and emotional challenges and loved ones are often thrust into the role of informal caregiver.
The purpose of the focus groups was to identify any existing gaps in care for both survivors and caregivers and learn firsthand what the experience is for both after discharge from the hospital.
Many themes emerged from the participants, including:
- Challenges involved in accessing support and information after leaving the hospital
- Caregivers needing to become ‘advocates’ for their loved ones
- Caregivers wrestling with feeling isolated, resentful, overwhelmed, scared and guilty
- The need for a caregiver support group was often recognized more by the caregiver than the survivor
- Many caregivers won’t access help unless they also see the benefit to their loved ones
Much was learned from the research and March of Dimes hopes to help create more caregiver support groups in addition to our existing stroke survivor peer groups in order to best address some of the gaps in care.
For more information please email info@marchofdimes.ca or call the Stroke Recovery Canada® Warmline® at 1-888-540-6666.