Table 2 characteristics of family members (participants) and the patients

 Mean age in years (range)

62 (32–75)

 Gender

8 male, 16 female

 Relationship to the patient

3 partners, 19 children, 2 others (cousin, sister)

 Ethnicity

All British white

 Occupation

13 retired from work, 11 still working

 Mean age in years (range)

85 (55–101)

 Gender

7 male, 17 female

 Occupation

22 retired, 2 working

 Functional status prior to the stroke

11 independent, 13 required care (either a package of care at home or in a care home)

 First stroke

23

 Had community do not resuscitate order (DNAR)

7

 Had pre-existing major comorbidities including dementia, heart failure and renal failure

11