Objective To explore the primary characteristics and core challenges of the caregiving experience among family caregivers of first-time stroke patients during the stable phase, so as to provide a basis for developing systematic and family-supported intervention strategies. Methods A descriptive phenomenological study design was adopted. Using purposive sampling, 24 family caregivers of first-time stroke patients in the stable phase were selected for semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed and themes extracted using the Colaizzi phenomenological analysis method. Results The caregiving experience of family caregivers during the stable phase of first-time stroke can be summarized into 4 themes and 9 subthemes: physical and mental exhaustion triggered by sudden illness (shock from sense of loss of control and uncertainty, physical and mental burden under round-the-clock dependency); capacity dilemmas and support inadequacy in caregiving practice (insufficient caregiving capacity, lack of family support, economic pressure compounded by caregiving burden); decline in quality of life and social role conflicts (narrowing of life world leading to decline in quality of life, multiple role conflicts); and self-adjustment and resilience development (active exploration of caregiving resources, cognitive restructuring and emotional self-rescue). Conclusion Family caregivers face sharply increased care burden along with insufficient preparedness and capability during the stable phase of stroke. There is an urgent need to establish a proactive transitional support system, build a multi-tiered support network across micro, meso, and macro levels, and shift the focus from deficit compensation to resilience cultivation, so as to facilitate smooth transition and improve the quality of care.