Caregivers of Post-Stroke Patients’ Support Needs in Limpopo Province: A Qualitative Study

Thabelo Neluheni; E Janse van Rensburg

doi:10.25159/2520-5293/21416

Authors

Thabelo Neluheni University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0170-5163
E Janse van Rensburg University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0619-4187

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/21416

Keywords:

cerebrovascular accident, caregivers, experiences, post-stroke, support needs

Abstract

A persistent gap in structured support for caregivers of patients after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) underscores the need for robust caregiver support strategies to strengthen post-stroke care. This study aims to explore and describe caregivers’ experiences in caring for patients after a CVA to strengthen post-stroke care. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was used. The target population consisted of family members who were caregivers for patients with CVA in the Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province. A purposive and convenience sampling technique was used to select participants.

Ethical clearance was obtained from the College of Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee of UNISA. Similarly, permission to carry out this study was obtained from the Department of Health. Informed consent was obtained from participants. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, and data collection continued until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using Tesch’s approach to open coding. Five themes emerged: physical challenges, emotional challenges, lack of resources, Support for caregivers of patients after a CVA, and recommendations to enhance support for caregivers of patients after a CVA. The study identified unmet caregivers’ needs related to psychological support, financial assistance, and transportation, contributing to emotional distress. This study contributes to post-stroke care by providing context-specific evidence to guide nursing practice. The findings were disseminated to relevant stakeholders to inform service delivery. Addressing these gaps strengthens caregivers' support and well-being. Recommendation: Nurses should integrate structured counselling for caregivers of patients after a CVA into routine post-stroke care.

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