THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF FORMAL CAREGIVERS LOOKING AFTER STROKE SURVIVORS: DESCRIPTIVE PHENOMENOLOGYERAL WARD SETTINGS

Abstract

Aim The aim of the study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of the formal caregivers looking after stroke survivors three months post discharge to home from a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Background Stroke ranked as the third highest factor of disease burden in Singapore. Stroke survivors generally rely on their family for care at home. However, in Singapore, as most of the family members are employed, full-time formal caregivers such as foreign domestic workers (FDWs) are increasingly hired to provide care. Till date, limited research has studied these formal caregivers who are playing an active role as primary caregivers. Method A descriptive phenomenology was employed in this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit six formal caregivers enrolled in the Hospital-to-Home programme who underwent face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews in the homes of stroke survivors where they live. Audio-taped interviews were transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi’s method of thematic analysis. Bracketing was observed and findings were validated with the participants. Results Four emergent themes derived: ‘Perception towards Caregiving’, ‘Developing Relationships’, ‘Transmission of Knowledge and Information’ and ‘Support for Caregivers’. Despite not formally trained, the FDWs responded positively to their job and cared for the stroke survivors with joy, empathy and commitment. Nonetheless, they relied on support from their employers, the need for rest days, and social networks to maintain work life balance during their long term caregiving journey.Conclusion This study contributes new knowledge by exploring the unique caregiving journey undertaken by this unique formal caregivers in Singapore looking after stroke survivors. Most respond positively, communicates well with their employer and stroke survivor, and intended to continue caregiving long term. Implications for Practice Healthcare professionals need to be mindful of these formal caregivers and actively involved them while planning care for the stroke survivors in the community.