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A Qualitative Study Exploring the Lives and Caring Practices of Young Carers of Stroke Survivors

Author

Listed:
  • Trudi M. Cameron

    (School of Medicine, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK)

  • Marion F. Walker

    (School of Medicine, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK)

  • Rebecca J. Fisher

    (School of Medicine, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK)

Abstract

This study investigated the life transformation of children when a parent returned home from hospital after a stroke. The study explored children’s experiences of taking on caring roles in partnership with their well parent and stroke survivors’ perceptions of the young carer roles. The study aimed to identify unmet support needs in order to inform future service provision. Semi-structured interviews were conducted separately with stroke survivors ( n = 7) (age range 41–60 years, mean 50.6) and their young carers ( n = 11) (age range 11–20 years, mean 16). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: the lives of young carers, impact of stroke, and insulating the family. All the children were providing some level of care. None were in receipt of any formal support. Children moved in and out of the caring role in the absence of an adult, to act as primary carer. Young carers valued the life skills they were gaining but reported gaps in their knowledge and understanding of stroke. The well parent and young carers worked together in a bi-directional partnership to ameliorate the impact of stroke on the family. The study concluded that age appropriate and stroke specific information for children of stroke survivors could enhance agency and optimise positive outcomes of caring.

Suggested Citation

  • Trudi M. Cameron & Marion F. Walker & Rebecca J. Fisher, 2022. "A Qualitative Study Exploring the Lives and Caring Practices of Young Carers of Stroke Survivors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:3941-:d:780072
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    Cited by:

    1. Kristine Newman & Heather Chalmers & Arthur Ze Yu Wang & Sarah Ciotti & Luxmhina Luxmykanthan & Nicole Mansell, 2023. "The Impact of Public Health Restrictions on Young Caregivers and How They Navigated a Pandemic: Baseline Interviews from a Longitudinal Study Conducted in Ontario, Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(14), pages 1-19, July.
    2. Patricia Masterson-Algar & Kieren Egan & Greg Flynn & Gwenllian Hughes & Aimee Spector & Joshua Stott & Gill Windle, 2022. "iSupport for Young Carers: An Adaptation of an e-Health Intervention for Young Dementia Carers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-18, December.

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