Reaching the “turning-point”: on becoming a relative to a stroke survivor

Wallengren Gustafsson, CatarinaHögskolan i Borås,Institutionen för Vårdvetenskap (author)

Reaching the “turning-point” : on becoming a relative to a stroke survivor

Purpose: The purpose was to describe what it means to be a relative to a stroke survivor from the time of the stroke event and the first weeks on from a learning perspective. Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability in the western world. The lives of both patients and their relatives alter, which involves a pedagogical dimension. Few studies have explored first time affected relatives experiences of suddenly becoming a relative to a stroke survivor. Methods: Qualitative interviews with sixteen relatives were conducted. Data was analysed by means of a phenomenological hermeneutic method. Results: Two main themes “Being in chaos” and “Searching for order in chaos” with sub themes are described. The findings reveal that relatives reach a `turning point´ where they start their journey to restore order and stability of the chaotic life situation. Thus, it is of significance to identify the turning-point in order to help the relatives to enhance self care. Conclusions: Care givers need to pay more attention and be more sensitive to relatives in order to increase quality of life. There must an awareness regarding the learning potential in the “turning-point”. The care givers pedagogical preparedness is needed.

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MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: MEDICAL AND HEAL ...; and Health Sciences; and Health Care Serv ...

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