Background: Stroke is a common disease which involves several personal changes for the affected. The consequences of the disease can result in disabilities and speech disorders which could lead to depression. When returning home the relatives need to take on a caring role.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe relatives' experiences of being a caregiver to a person who suffered a stroke.

Method: A literature based study was conducted using three different databases, Cinahl, PubMed and Medline. 10 qualitative articles were examined and analyzed.

Results: Two overarching themes emerged, To make an adjustment and Coping with the role as carers, consisting of two subthemes each. These themes describe various experiences of relatives who care for a person who suffered a stroke. Relatives social life changed, family relationships suffered and earlier recreational activities was sidelined. To be bound to the affected was distressing for the relatives who also experienced increased stress. Relatives expressed a need for support and information, both from health care and people close to the relatives. Both difficulty finding available assistance and feelings of not having any cooperation in the discharge process where experienced. Relatives accepted the new situation and realized that it was not better to constantly worry. Having someone to talk to was shown to be of importance, and many felt that the workplace was a place where they were given respite.

Conclusion: Relatives ability to accept and deal with the caregiving role is affected by their personal development over time, but also through the support of friends, family, and health care services. Health care plays a vital role in providing support and information which could be crucial for relatives, enabling to cope with the caregiving role, especially short after the stroke has occurred.