Perceived Caregiver Strain, 3- and 18-Month Poststroke, in a Cohort of Caregivers from the Life after Stroke Trial (LAST).

Caregiver strain was relatively low both at baseline and at 18-month follow-up. Main caregiver strains were reported in terms of a sense of confinement, a tendency of emotional strain, and the altering of plans at both time points. Depression was one of the main explanatory factors for the perceived caregiver strain. The perception of caregiver strain was higher in age groups 80-100 years than age groups 0-79 years.