Information Access and Care Partner Adaptation for Stroke Survivors with Aphasia in the Covid-19 Era

This study examined how care partners of stroke survivors with aphasia accessed information and adapted to the caregiver role during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were interviewed up to five times during acute care and six months post-hospital discharge. The study identified 11 key themes, including how care partners learn about stroke and aphasia, find alternative ways to communicate, and adjust to living with aphasia in the long term. The study highlighted inconsistencies in care partner involvement during stroke rehabilitation and the need for tailored interventions for timely informational support. The pandemic impacted therapy coordination, family support, and access to respite care.