in ADL and IADL performance frequently results in reduced levels of functional

independence and subsequently increases the necessity of additional care in the home.

Often, those post-stroke are dependent on caregivers to maintain community living and

stave off facility or institution admission. The review of the literature indicated more

research is necessary, specifically in the areas of caregiver physical health, ethnicity, and

caregiver interventions.

Mobility Disability and Caregiving

 Researchers have demonstrated relationships between mobility disability and

limitations in activity and participation and consequential losses of independence, and

increased need for care, health utilization, and admission into care facilities [14, 15, 20-

24]. Specifically, caregiving after falls has been explored. The resulting complications of

a fall can be severe and include death, fractures, and further losses of independence. It is

therefore expected that falls are negatively associated with caregiver burden and

depression. Forster and Young demonstrated negative effects for the caregiver when post-

fall declines in ADL performance were evident [79]. The caregivers taking care of

"fallers" were more stressed, and one-third of all caregivers stated that concern for a fall

limited their own social activity. Stolze et al. also indicated increased burden for those

caring for the post-fall population [154]. Howland and colleagues also demonstrated a

relationship between caregiver support and fear of falling related activity curtailment

[148].

 There has been no research completed specifically examining caregiving after fear

of falling development or changes in gait speed. However it is expected that caregiving

needs will increase due to mobility related declines in performance of activities.