Brief Psychoeducational Group for Stroke Survivors and Family Caregivers

Abstract

As group leaders aim to benefit the well-being of individuals, it is important to examine each individual from a systemic and holistic point of view. This becomes integral when individuals experience acute distress due to medical concerns, such as stroke. The integrated care team surrounding a stroke survivor includes physical health professionals, mental health professionals, and family caregivers. Family caregivers often provide unpaid caregiving services to a loved one who experienced medical issues. Having a stroke can be particularly distressing and has unique implications for family caregiving (Rigby et al., 2009). Stroke survivors and their family caregivers are at risk for experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety (Balhara et al., 2012), and if left untreated, symptoms could worsen. In working to support the emotional needs of stroke survivors and their family caregivers, the authors designed this brief group curriculum to provide psychoeducation on common psychological symptoms of distress this population may experience and tools for them to cope with those stressors.