Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of adult stroke survivors and their parent
carers. DESIGN: Qualitative methodology: interpretative phenomenological
analysis. SETTING: Six residential areas across England and south Wales.
PARTICIPANTS: Six adult stroke survivors (aged 27-46), six mothers (aged 59-76)
and five fathers (aged 55-76). METHOD: Semi-structured interviews to explore the
relationship and interactions between parent and survivor prior to and after a
stroke, with opportunities to explore both positive and negative changes. All
interviews were transcribed and analysed by a six step interpretative
phenomenological analysis process. Survivors, mothers and fathers were analysed
as three separate groups and the results were synthesised. RESULTS: Identical and
interconnected themes emerged from the three groups, permitting synthesis into a
single organising framework with four superordinate themes capturing the key
issues for all three groups. The four superordinate themes were: 'emotional
turmoil'; 'significance of parents'; 'negotiating independence versus dependence'
and 'changed relationships'. CONCLUSIONS: Parents reported adjusting to caring
with relative ease. Survivors did not adjust to being cared for with such ease
and felt positioned in a child role. Balancing independence and dependence was a
challenge for survivors and parents and is considered within a systemic theory
framework. Implications for service developments and guidelines are considered.

Langue : ANGLAIS