Abstract
This phenomenological study describes the experiences of family members to elderly stroke victims cared for in rehabilitation wards.
Five women, four spouses and one daughter, were interviewed and asked to describe what it means to be next of kin to a person with a recent stroke. The interviews were conducted and analysed within a phenomenological approach.
The essence of the phenomenon of being next of kin to an elderly person with a recent stroke is identified as experiencing a profoundly altered way of life. Existential doubts and anxiety concerning both one's own as well as the sick person's current situation characterises daily life, although signs of recovery on the sick person's behalf might give some hope for the future. The relative experiences a certain feeling of being left out, which is seen as threatening the family members' feelings of affinity towards each other. This can also bring about a, from time to time, painful feeling of loneliness, which is not always relieved by social contact.
The findings are discussed from a nursing and family nursing theory perspective.