[The stroke patient and his family].

The study deals with an investigation of families who have to cope with the stroke of an older family member. The psychological reactions of the patient and the caregiver, related to the chronic disease and home care, are analyzed and a response hierarchy is delineated, as well. Moreover the burden, the patients and primary caregivers report, are given. Additionally, the most important dimensions of the "cognitive representation" the patient holds of his situation are investigated.