Caregivers’ support needs and factors promoting resiliency after brain injury

Abstract

Aim: This article explores the challenges, support needs and coping strategies of caregivers of people with an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers (n = 20) to explore their support services received, access barriers, utility of services, needed supports, coping strategies and factors promoting life satisfaction. The team recorded, transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed all interviews.

Results: Through thematic data analysis, three central themes were revealed: (a) barriers impeding quality-of-life, (b) support needed to improve quality-of-life and (c) factors enabling quality-of-life. All perspectives from the participants involved are synthesized to provide a rich depiction of caregivers’ support needs and coping strategies.

Conclusions: Two specific findings of interest include a negative association between severity of brain injury and caregiver’s desire to direct treatment, as well as a distinct service gap in assistance for caregivers who are caring for someone with violent/offending behaviours. This study recommends short- and long-term changes, given Australia’s upcoming National Disability Insurance Scheme, to increase caregiver quality-of-life, which will ultimately affect the rehabilitation outcomes of persons with ABI.

• Acquired brain injury
• caregivers
• service providers
• semi-structured interviews

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Mr. Christian Inglis for his assistance in the preparation of this manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper