Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

How may a stroke create a psychosocial crisis for a family?

1. It often leads to financial instability.

2. Caregivers may have increased responsibilities with little training.

3. Insufficient medical care is available.

4. It creates distance between family members.

The correct answer is: Caregivers may have increased responsibilities with little training.

A stroke can lead to a psychosocial crisis for a family primarily because caregivers may face increased responsibilities that they are ill-prepared for, which can create stress and emotional strain. When a family member suffers a stroke, the family often assumes the role of caregiver, which can involve assisting with daily activities, coordinating medical care, and managing rehabilitation. Many family members do not receive formal training for these new responsibilities, leading to feelings of inadequacy and overwhelming pressure. They may struggle to provide the necessary physical and emotional support effectively, which can also impact their mental health and well-being. As caregivers juggle these demands, they might experience high levels of stress, anxiety, or even resentment, which can further complicate familial relationships and dynamics. While financial instability, insufficient medical care, and distance between family members can all be relevant issues in the context of a stroke, the immediate challenge of increased responsibilities without adequate training directly contributes to a psychosocial crisis. This heightened responsibility can lead to caregiver burnout, which has both emotional and psychological ramifications for the entire family.