Factors Affecting Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Home-based Care Stroke Patients using Day Care Services

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of family caregivers living with home-based care stroke patients. [Subjects] Data were collected from 25 home-based care stroke patients receiving rehabilitation services at a day-care center (mean age of 72.8±11.1) and their 25 family caregivers (mean age of 59.8±12.2) who were living at home in Kobe city, Hyogo. [Method] Capacity to perform ADL was assessed using the Functional Independent Measures (FIM) for the home-based care stroke patients. The care burden, QOL and health status of the family caregivers were also evaluated. [Results] There was no significant correlation between ADL of home-based care stroke patients and family caregivers' QOL. It was also revealed that the factors affecting the QOL of the family caregivers were determined by their burden and the status of their physical/mental condition. [Conclusion] These results suggest that in order to improve family caregivers' QOL, rehabilitation should be continued to maintain their function and social support is necessary to reduce the burden of family caregivers.