Exploring the Caregiver Role after Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Analysis

Table 3

Themes and subthemes by group.

Theme 1: identity	DBS allows carers to question and shift the caregiver role
Group A (12–18 months)	Am I more than just a caregiver?
Group B (years 5)	The carer identity has shifted
Theme 2: independence	Parkinson’s unite and DBS helps divide in time
Group A	The combined self
Group B	DBS brings balance in relationships through acceptance
Theme 3: personal needs	Seeing myself and my needs, DBS enhances visibility
Group A	I am still invisible, DBS has not helped enough
Group B	Acceptance means it is easier to live for me