Parallel lives: Younger stroke survivors and their partners coping with crisis

Abstract

This paper presents the data derived from 38 younger stroke survivors (aged 20-49) and their partners, focusing on the ways in which a traumatic event such as stroke impacts differently on the person involved and their partner, and how this may affect their subsequent relationship. Post-stroke recovery is a long-term proposition; 12-15 months post-discharge from hospital, some participants spoke of altered roles, additional responsibility, changed relationships, and communication problems. However, few couples had been offered any form of counselling or psychological support. There appears to be a need for family support and counselling if these families are to survive relatively unscathed.