Healthy IDEAS
Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression,Empowering Activities for Seniors) is an evidence-based program that integrates depression awareness and management into existing case management services provided to older adults. Healthy IDEAS ensures older adults get the help they need to manage symptoms of depression and live full lives.
The program includes screening and assessment, education for clients and family caregivers, referral and linkage to health resources and behavioral activation. Clients also receive coaching and support as they engage in behavioral activation to pursue personal, meaningful activities. Healthy IDEAS emphasizes the importance of delivering the program in a way that is culturally relevant.
Case managers appreciate the measurable progress that comes from encouraging clients to work toward simple, attainable goals. Participants appreciate understanding how activity affects their mood.
The Healthy IDEAS program has 
demonstrated positive results for participants, including:
- Fewer depression symptoms
- Decreased physical pain
- Better ability to recognize and self-treat symptoms
In addition, organizations using the program reported increased capacity to help clients experiencing depression.
Get in Touch
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley
280 Merrimack Street
Lawrence, Massachusetts 01843
United States (US)
What People are Saying
“Healthy IDEAS was the answer to our prayers. We knew we wanted to address depression and this was an evidence-based intervention with proven results. Healthy IDEAS fits well into our case management program and really helped reduce our clients’ depression and pain.”
“I understand how my activity affects my mood now. When I am feeling sad, I go for a walk or go out to the local grocery store and I just feel better.”
Program Details
Settings/Facilities
Home or other community setting
Duration
Delivered over 3–6 months Minimum of 3 in-person and 5 telephone contacts
Program Costs
$4,000 training package
Travel expenses for onsite training. Estimated $1,200 for every 25 people trained.
Costs Include
Training Package (all manuals, DVD etc.). Additional expenses for coaching, reproduction of client materials, staff time.
Outcomes
Lessening of depressive symptom severity, improved quality of life, level of physical and social activity, knowledge of depression self-management, self-reported pain, use of medical and mental health services.
Materials
Agency Manual; Intervention Manual and Participant worksheets.
Staffing
Paid personnel of differing backgrounds who are already helping clients with other problems (case managers, social service coordinators with social work, nursing or other backgrounds.)
Individual vs. Group
Individual
Mode
In-person, Telephone Delivery
Data Requirements
Standardized reporting forms
Languages
English and fully translated materials in Spanish, Chinese
