The Area Agency on Aging was recently awarded funding from Stanislaus County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) to implement three new programs aimed at “Prevention and Early Intervention” of depression in older adults.Many people have bouts of mild depression, but as we age and are faced with changes in health, loss of loved ones, and other challenges, that mild depression can become more severe. Signs of depression may include depressed mood and loss of interest, alterations in sleep, appetite, and energy. Depression often goes unrecognized and untreated leading to a lower quality of life and inability to live independently.
Many seniors at high risk live alone and are self-isolating. These seniors are the most difficult to reach, as they often have transportation issues and are resistive to seeking help. Now help will be available in their homes. PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives for Seniors) is a 19-week individualized program where a PEARLS counselor visits at risk seniors in their homes to offer help by teaching problem solving techniques, and encouraging increased social and physical activities.
Senior Peer Counselors are trained volunteer counselors who regularly visit older adults who are having trouble overcoming difficulties, or facing significant change in their lives. The Peer Counselors are seniors themselves. The volunteer counselors attend an initial training and are supervised by a professional clinician. The volunteer Counselors help connect seniors to services, help them learn to cope, and support them during difficult times.
Senior Center Without Walls is a phone based program with offerings similar to activities you would find at a senior center. Once registered, each senior will receive a monthly calendar of events. All they have to do is call in to join in group discussion, fun games and quizzes, storytelling of travel adventures, or join a discussion on current health topics. They offer a book club, support groups and much more.
Without Walls is a non-profit program sponsored by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Episcopal Senior Communities. Although the program is based in Northern California the toll-free number is accessed from anywhere in the state. The Area Agency on Aging is adding some telephone reassurance to the program with monthly phone calls to participants. The hope is that even those that really can’t get out of their homes regularly can still be socially engaged by joining this program.
The Area Agency on Aging is working with local Family Resource Centers to help implement the programs and to provide clinical supervision. The goal is to have all three programs up and running by this July.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities call the Senior & Caregiver Information Line (209) 558-8698 or toll-free (800) 510-2020.
