Pag-iintindi at pag-iintindi (caring and understanding): a preliminary exploration of the experiences of a formal caregiver of a stroke survivor with aphasia

Author

• Jether Jayce Deuel B. Labor
• Zoe Paulene G. Giague
• Julliene Christa E. Guimera
• Therese Karen R. Baylon
• Gianne Patricia M. Pasao
• Maria Beatrice R. Calatraba
• Francine P. Santos
• Janella Jem M. Dominguez
• Jairah Mary Grace S. Tiburcio
• Ria Kathleen V. Jaravata,

Date of Completion

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology

Keywords

Stroke, Caregivers, Stroke Survivor, Communication Impairment

Abstract

Stroke affects not only the survivors but also their caregivers, who often experience physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges while providing support. This preliminary study explored the lived experiences of a formal caregiver of a stroke survivor with aphasia focusing on the impact of communication impairment of the stroke survivor on the caregiver, contextual factors that affect caregiving, and coping strategies used by the caregiver. A qualitative phenomenological descriptive design was used to gather in-depth data on the participant’s lived experiences and coping strategies. An RSLP external to the group conducted the interview to prevent biases. Colaizzi’s thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes from the data collected. Six emergent themes were identified: (1) The caregiver finds meaning and motivation in taking care of stroke survivor; (2) The caregiver has different competences and roles to fill; (3) The caregiver finds ways to understand the patient's communication; (4) The caregiver has different ways to cope with the demands of caring; (5) The caregiver faces different challenges and burdens during the caregiving process; (6) There are different external factors affecting the caregiving process of the caregiver. Findings revealed that caregiving is a multidimensional experience extending beyond physical care, and involves emotional, social, and communication-related demands. Communication impairments significantly affect a caregiver's ability to facilitate interactions, interpret communication intent, and support participation of the stroke survivor in daily activities. Recommendations include addressing study limitations, providing caregiver-centered and holistic care, accessible and inclusive services, and fostering stronger caregiver-patient relationships.

First Advisor

Kerwyn Jim Chan

APA Citation

Labor, J. B., Giague, Z. G., Guimera, J. E., Baylon, T. R., Pasao, G. M., Calatraba, M. R., Santos, F. P., Dominguez, J. M., Tiburcio, J. S., & Jaravata,, R. V. (2026). Pag-iintindi at pag-iintindi (caring and understanding): a preliminary exploration of the experiences of a formal caregiver of a stroke survivor with aphasia. Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology.
Retrieved from https://greenprints.dlshsi.edu.ph/bsslp/73