Successful Program To Help
Family Caregivers Gets National Push
Proven to reduce stress
For Alzheimer's disease and dementia caregivers
The WellMed Charitable Foundation, a nationally-
recognized leader in family caregiver support and education, along with Dr. Sharon Lewis, a noted researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, today announced a partnership to disseminate the successful Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers across the United States.
To initiate program, the first of a series of two-day Master 
Classes is scheduled to train facilitators from agencies and organizations to present the Stress-Busting Program. It is evidence-based and has a proven track record of success in helping family caregivers to manage their stress and cope better with their lives.
- The next two-day Master Training Class is set in San Antonio, TX, on February 13-14, 2013. Master Training can be provided in other locations upon request with at least 8-10 participants enrolled and the sponsoring organization underwriting travel expenses for the Lead Trainers.
Agencies interested being leaders in empowering caregivers by providing the Stress-Busting Program in their local communities should contact the non-profit WellMed Charitable Foundation (WCF).
To schedule a Master Training Class or obtain more information, contact Debbie Billa, WCF Grants Manager; voice: 210-877-7752; toll free: 1-866-390-6491; email: dbilla@wellmed.net;
The Stress-Busting Program (SBP) is designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve the quality of life for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. Developed by Dr. Lewis, the SBP meets the Administration on Aging's highest criteria for evidence-based programs.
"With so many families struggling to cope with the challenge of caring for someone with Alzheimer's, it is 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, WellMed Charitable Foundation Executive Director.
"Many caregivers have commented that the program saved them from going into a deep depression...it saved their lives," Dr. Lewis added.
Proven research results over the past 17 years documents that family caregivers learned 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 Stress-Busting classes are 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.
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