Caregiving in Rural African American Families for Older Adult Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Stroke disproportionately affects African Americans, but stroke caregiving research on this group is missing from the literature. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to examine rural African American family caregiving for older adult stroke survivors. Eight African American families participated in the study. The sample included 8 stroke survivors, 8 primary caregivers, and 18 secondary caregivers. Data were generated through interactive interviews and focused observations that took place in care-givers' or stroke survivors' homes. A multistep data analysis technique incorporating the constant comparative method was used to uncover the basic social psychological problem of transitions and a four-stage basic social process of striking a balance. The families coped with the transitions of stroke care-giving by using strategies termed here deciding to care, dividing care, protective care, and coming to terms. The substantive theory of caregiving provides nurses with a framework to help rural African American families care for their older relatives who have experienced stroke.