Ethics, Family Caregivers, and Stroke

Even though stroke caregivers provide valuable care to loved ones, often sacrificing their own life goals and sometimes their health, they are frequently viewed by stroke professionals as irritants or problems. Medical training and medical bioethics literature focus almost exclusively on the physician-patient relationship, which leaves family members with uncertain standing. A family-centered approach allows providers to acknowledge and respect caregivers' needs without sacrificing patients' interests or authority.