Coping with Stroke: Perceptions of Elderly Who Have Experienced Stroke and Rehabilitation Interventions

This article reports the findings and implications of a study that explored the roles,values/beliefs, and behaviors of elderly stroke survivors in their recovery process. A qualitative design consisting of in-depth interviews with 39 elderly stroke survivors was used to identify trends and unique approaches to coping with stroke. The respondents in this study experienced significant changes in their pre-stroke lifestyles and abilities. Participants had important observations regarding ways in which they had learned to cope with stroke-related problems, and ways in which personal and professional caregivers had enhanced and obstructed this process.