Article

The objective of this qualitative study was to examine how family caregivers of
individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) describe their quality of life in
the context of their caregiving role.
Fifty-two caregivers of adults with
moderate or severe TBI
(n = 31 parents, n = 21 partners/spouses; 77% female; mean
age = 57.96 years, range =
34-78 years) were recruited from three data collection
sites to participate in focus groups. Thematic content analysis was used to
identify two main meta-themes: Caregiver Role Demands and Changes in Person with
TBI. Prominent sub-themes indicated that caregivers are (1) overburdened with
responsibilities, (2) lack personal time and time for self-care,
(3) feel that
their life is interrupted or lost, (4) grieve the loss of the person with TBI,
and (5) endorse anger, guilt, anxiety, and sadness. Caregivers identified a
number of service needs.
A number of sub-themes were perceived differently by
partner versus parent caregivers. The day-to-day responsibilities of being a
caregiver as well as the changes in the person with the TBI present a variety of
challenges and sources of distress for caregivers.
Although services that address
instrumental as well as emotional needs of caregivers may benefit caregivers in
general, the service needs of parent and partner caregivers may differ.

Langue : ANGLAIS