Those responsible for caring for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s or debilitating dementia often experience high levels of emotional and physical stress generated by the daily routine of providing care.
To support family caregivers, United HomeCare has teamed up with United Way of Miami-Dade County to offer its “Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers” through its Caregivers United initiative.
The free nine-week program is taught by certified instructors who cover topics such as stress and relaxation, dealing with challenging behaviors, grief, loss, and depression, how to cope with stress and more.
The innovative Stress- Busting was developed at the University of Texas Health Science Center. As part of the course, participants receive a Path to Wellness Caregiver Guide, a meditation audio CD, and relaxation strategies DVD.
To make it easier for participants to take time out from care giving duties and attend sessions, each receives 15 hours of free respite care delivered by a qualified UHC Home Health Aide professional.
Caregivers completing the program improve care giving skills and have reported significantly lowering of the strain generated by Alzheimer’s or other dementia care responsibilities for a loved one.
Many caregivers report bouts of depression and anxiety, as they cope with a family member with impaired mental function. Lessons learned through Stress-Busting help caregivers improve their own personal quality of life.
Approximately 5.3 million people have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia in the United States; 450,000 reside in Florida.
Increasingly, family caregivers assume greater care responsibilities for a parent, spouse or friend. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 1.7 million family caregivers in Florida now provide\ care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend each year.
United HomeCare will present the Stress-Busting Program during evening hours starting Thursday, Oct. 10 through Dec.12, 6-7:30 p.m. at United Way of Miami-Dade County, 3250 S.W. 3rd Ave.
Program costs are covered by United HomeCare through grant funds awarded by the Older Americans Act and administered by the U.S. Administration on Aging and Alliance for Aging of Miami- Dade County.
Persons interested in attending Stress-Busting for Family Caregivers may register by calling United HomeCare at 305-716-0710.
