Determining the needs of spouses caring for aphasic partners

Purpose: The study aims to identify the needs of spouses caring for someone who has communication difficulties due to a stroke and to determine what solutions they felt would have helped to alleviate the difficulties they described. Method: A qualitative approach was chosen in order to determine the carers needs from their point of view. Nine in-depth interviews were undertaken with a self selected group of spouses caring for an aphasic partner in their own home. Results: Analysis of the interviews indicated that the carers expressed needs in the five main areas of support, information, role change, training and day/respite care. The carers interviewed were also able to identify a variety of practical solutions which, in retrospect, may have helped them to care more effectively for their aphasic partner. Conclusions: The solutions put forward by the carers highlight the areas in which the Health Trusts providing care for these people should focus future service provision in order to ensure that people caring for aphasic spouses in the home receive the services they feel they need.