Intervention in informal caregivers who take care of older people after a stroke (InCARE): study protocol for a randomised trial

Abstract

Aim: This study aims at describing an intervention based on informal caregivers' skills when taking care of older people after a stroke (InCARE).

Background: Most informal caregivers feel unprepared to deliver assistance in activities of daily living at home. This lack of preparedness can lead to misconceptions, burden and affect their health, which, consequently, may imply hospital readmissions or early institutionalization of the older adults.

Design: A single blinded randomised trial.

Methods: This study will recruit 198 dyads, comprising old stroke survivors and their caregivers, who will be divided into two groups: intervention and control (protocol approved in May 2013).

Inclusion criteria: (informal caregivers) absence of cognitive impairment; resident in the Cávado Region; to return the informed consent (older people) are over 65 years of age; have had a first stroke and; be dependent on at least one of the self-care activities post hospital discharge.

Primary outcome: informal caregivers' skills.

Secondary outcomes: include burden and Health Quality of Life in informal caregivers; functionality, hospital readmission and institutionalization of older people stroke survivors, measured 1 and 3 months after InCARE programme.

Discussion: The InCARE programme will highlight new ways to understand the feasibility of a large trial, which supports caregivers who take care of older people after a stroke. It will be expected that the level of burden decreases, thus helping informal caregivers enhance their quality of life. Also, it is expected that older people's functionality will be improved and that hospital readmission or institutionalization may be avoided.

Keywords: caregivers; empowerment; older people; randomised trial; stroke.