title: Caregivers' support needs and factors promoting resiliency after brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article explores the challenges, support needs and coping strategies of caregivers of people with an acquired brain injury (ABI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers (n = 20) to explore their support services received, access barriers, utility of services, needed supports, coping strategies and factors promoting life satisfaction. The team recorded, transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed all interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Through thematic data analysis, three central themes were revealed: (a) barriers impeding quality-of-life, (b) support needed to improve quality-of-life and (c) factors enabling quality-of-life. All perspectives from the participants involved are synthesized to provide a rich depiction of caregivers' support needs and coping strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two specific findings of interest include a negative association between severity of brain injury and caregiver's desire to direct treatment, as well as a distinct service gap in assistance for caregivers who are caring for someone with violent/offending behaviours. This study recommends short- and long-term changes, given Australia's upcoming National Disability Insurance Scheme, to increase caregiver quality-of-life, which will ultimately affect the rehabilitation outcomes of persons with ABI.
authors.affiliation: School of Social Sciences, The University of the Sunshine Coast , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Bryony
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kitter
authors.forename: Rachael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sharman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D055500:Resilience, Psychological
keywords: Acquired brain injury; caregivers; semi-structured interviews; service providers