According to a news release: HealthPartners Research Foundation and the Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota are recruiting participants for a research study that looks at ways to help people providing elder care manage stress and maintain a healthy life balance.

“Helping to provide care for a family member with dementia can be challenging and stressful during the best times,” said Dr. Robin Whitebird, the study’s lead investigator from HealthPartners Research Foundation in a news release. “This study is looking at new methods for helping people balance their life and stress given their immense responsibilities.” 

The study will look at two approaches. The first teaches caregivers about a variety of important issues related to elder care and provides social and emotional support. The second approach focuses on mindfulness-based stress reduction and includes mindfulness meditation techniques and simple yoga exercises.

Adults 21 years or older providing care for a family member with dementia and experiencing significant stress related to care giving are eligible to participate. Participants are eligible to receive some funds for study participation with additional funds available for low-income individuals needing help with respite care. Those interested should contact the study coordinator, Dana McGree at 952-967-5031 or Dana.A.McGree@HealthPartners.com. For more information, visit www.hprf.org (HealthPartners Research Foundation) or www.healthpartners.com.