San Antonio, TX - An evidence-based program with a proven track record of success in helping family caregivers to manage their stress and cope better with their lives will be available nationwide thanks to its developer Dr. Sharon Lewis and the WellMed Charitable Foundation.
The non-profit WellMed Charitable Foundation and Dr. Lewis, a noted researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, today announced a partnership to disseminate the Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers across the United States.
The Stress-Busting Program is designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve the quality of life of family caregivers who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The program, developed by Dr. Lewis, meets the highest criteria for evidence-based programs under the Administration on Aging.
This successful program, with proven research results over the past 17 years, helps family caregivers to learn about a variety of stress management techniques during the 9-week program. Participants receive many resources including a handbook, relaxation strategies DVD, and meditation CD. The class is led by two trained group facilitators who can provide the program at churches, senior centers, senior housing, assisted living, and other locations that are convenient for family caregivers.
Agencies interested in providing the Stress-Busting Program in their local communities may contact the WellMed Charitable Foundation.
The next 2-day master training class is being held in San Antonio, Texas on February 13-14, 2013. Master training can be provided in other locations upon request.
“With so many families struggling to cope with the challenge of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, it’s important for us to be able to offer a program that we know will reduce their stress and improve their quality of life,” said Carol Zernial, Foundation Executive Director.
“Many caregivers have commented that the program saved them from going into a deep depression...it saved their lives," Dr. Sharon Lewis said.
For more information, visit www.caregiverstressbusters.org or contact Debbie Billa, Foundation Grants Manager, at dbilla@wellmed.net or call 210-877-7752 or toll free at 1-866-390-6491.
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