Impact of Caregiver Strain on the Quality of Life of Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND Stroke patients may remain physically or cognitively impaired. Caring for a family member takes time and can be burdensome, resulting in feelings of depression and stress. Hence from study we try to find out if there is a correlation between burden on the care taker and quality of life of the stroke patient. AIM To study the impact of caregiver strain on the Quality Of Life of stroke patients. OBJECTIVES To assess the quality of life in stroke patients, strain on the caregiver of the stroke patient and find the correlation of caregiver strain on the quality of life of stroke patients OUTCOME MEASURES Functional independence measure, Modified caregiver strain index, SF 36 METHODOLOGY SF-36 was performed on the stroke patient (FIM 18-90) and modified caregiver strain index on the informal caregiver of the patient. RESULTS There is mild correlation between care giver strain and the quality of lives of stroke patients. CONCLUSION This study found a mild correlation between caregiver strain and quality of life of stroke patients. A shift from patient-centered approach to a patient- and caregiver-centered approach will have better long-term outcomes.