Consultation with stroke survivors & family caregivers about a new carers form-Carers’ Alert Thermometer for Stroke (CAT-S) by researchers from Edge Hill University
Background:
The majority of stroke survivors rely on family caregivers to provide assistance with their daily living activities, which range from physical help to psychological support. However, the support and information needs of family caregivers are not always met and they often experience deterioration of their own health and wellbeing. Therefore, early identification of the family caregivers’ needs and support is important in order to sustain their caring role.
What is the Carers’ Alert Thermometer for Stroke (CAT-S)?
Edge Hill University, with support from the Stroke Association, have developed a two-page form called the ‘Carers Alert Thermometer for Stroke’, or for short, we call it the ‘CAT-S’ and it is an evidence-based alert tool. It is designed to identify and triage the needs of people who are providing support to a family member or friend at home as an unpaid carer. Currently, we are conducting a consultation with stroke survivors, family caregivers of stroke survivors and health professionals to seek their opinion on the layout, content and usability of the CAT-S. This feedback will help to ensure that it is suitable for use as a triage tool to identify the unmet support needs of this group of caregivers.
We are seeking the views of caregivers to stroke survivors, stroke survivors and stroke health professionals in this survey. Please refer to the link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CAT-S
The consultation closes on Sunday 9th December at 11:59pm.
Thank you in advance for your views on this issue. It is greatly appreciated.