Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers (Title III-D Program)

The Stress-Busting Program provides family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias with information about stress (particularly stress associated with caregiving), how to deal with their stress through relaxation and problem solving, and how to care for themselves while caregiving for a loved with dementia.  The program has been proven to improve the quality of life of family caregivers, and to help caregivers manage their stress and cope better with their lives.

Developed at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, the program is organized into 90 minute sessions held once a week for 9 weeks in a small group setting with 2 group facilitators. Participants are provided many resources including a handbooks covering class material and a meditation CD and Relaxation Strategies DVD. The program is available in English and Spanish.

The program has been developed into a train the trainer model.  Information about Master Training session and license fees can be obtained by contacting the WellMed Charitable Foundation, which is the sole distributor of the program.

  • Program Goals:
  • -Improve the quality of life of family caregivers who provide care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias
  • -Help caregivers manage their stress and cope better with their lives

 

  • Target Audience:
  • -Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

 

  • Program Description:
  • -9 weeks
  • -90 minutes, once a week
  • -6-8 people per group
  • -Multi-component program focuses on stress management, problem solving, support, and education
  • -Each group session consists of a combination of education, discussion, and support as well as learning a stress management technique

 

  • Program Delivery:
  • -2 group facilitators in small group setting

 

Contact information

Reference Material

  • Lewis, S.L., Miner-Williams, D., Nubian, Al, Escamilla, M.I., Blackwell, P.H., Kretzschmar, J.H., Arevalo-Flechas, L.C., and Bonner, P.N.  (2009, Jul-Aug)  A stress-busting program for family caregivers.  Rehabilitation Nursing, 34(4): 151-9.