An Evaluation of the Family Informal Caregiver Stroke Self-Management Program.

Background: Caregivers are often unprepared and overwhelmed with the responsibilities of providing care to stroke survivors, which can lead to negative physical and psychological effects.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the Family Informal Caregiver Stroke Self-Management (FICSS) program on burden and life changes resulting from providing care among family caregivers of stroke survivors.

Methods: A prospective pre-test and post-test design using quantitative and qualitative data was used to evaluate the program with a convenience sample of 42 caregivers.

Pilot evaluation of the family informal caregiver stroke self-management program.

Background: Due to the abrupt onset of a stroke, caregivers are often unprepared for the role, have extensive needs and are at risk for negative outcomes. Interventions facilitating development of coping and problem solving skills are shown to decrease the negative effects of caregiving. The Family Informal Caregiver Stroke Self-Management (FICSS) program was developed to address the unmet needs of family caregivers of stroke survivors.