Needs of Family Caregivers of Stroke Patients for Family Care Team Support in Nakhonpathom Municipality

Abstract

          Objective:  To study the needs for family care team support of caregivers for stroke patients and the factors associated with care needs of caregivers for stroke patients include family relationships and experience in stroke patient care in Nakhonpathom Municipality.

          Method:  This research was a survey research using Orem’s self-care theory and theory about needs of caregivers of Wingate & Lackey. Sample were 142 caregivers of stroke patients who had Barthel ADL Index ≤ 11 and lived in Nakhonpathom Municipality during 2016. The data were analyzed by using means, standard deviation and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient.

          Results: The care need for family care team support of caregivers for stroke patients were at high level. When considering each issue, there were at high levels in 4 issues including management in home, rest, information and finance. The other 3 issues were at middle levels including the healthcare, the strengthening spiritual and the supporting psychological. In addition, family relationships were at middle level. Family relationship was positively correlated with caregiver needs of stroke patients at .05 level (p = 0.018). Patient care experiences were significantly negatively correlated with the care needs of caregivers of stroke patients at the .05 level of significance (p = 0.043).

          Suggestion: From the study revealed that family care team should assess the potential as well as need and prepare them to care for patients since discharge planning, continuing of care and create a network of care for stroke patients by family care team’s participation.