“Positive Solutions” Depression Busters for Homebound Seniors

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Despite the many challenges of aging, depression is not the unavoidable result. The County of San Diego, Behavioral Health Services developed the Positive Solutions program to help homebound or socially isolated seniors who are at risk of depression or suicide redirect their lives to be more social and active, and to rediscover pleasure. The program adapted the evidence-based Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives for Seniors (PEARLS) to help clients recognize symptoms of depression and teach them how to solve problems that contribute to the way they are feeling. Positive Solutions empowers these older adults to actively manage depression and improve their quality of life. Clients work with their counselor to outline goals and tackle solutions. They also plan a fun, physical and social activity for the week. Eighty-seven percent of clients surveyed reported reduced symptoms of depression. Implementing this prevention and intervention program has given these individuals their lives back. And active, happy seniors have been an inspiration not only for county staff but for the public as well.