PEARLS
The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) is a one-on-one program for older adults with depression. PEARLS is delivered by a trained health or social service professional who meets one-on-one with the participant at the participant's home or in a community-based setting over a four to five month period. The client chooses the problems he or she would like to discuss, and the counselor guides, teaches, and supports the client in developing action plans for behavior change.
PEARLS has three major components:
- Participants learn about the link between unsolved problems and depression, and to apply a seven-step approach to solving their problems.
- Participants are encouraged to engage in social and physical activities that most interest them.
- Participants identify and participate in activities that they enjoy.
What People are Saying
“PEARLS gave me other avenues to not completely solve the problem but to approach and deal with it, and weigh the facts out. Or, to get out going walking, and get some fresh air.”
“My frame of mind is so much better after having gone through PEARLS. I feel so much more in tune.”
Program Details
Settings/Facilities
Home, community settings
Duration
6-8 one-hour sessions over a 4-5 month period
Program Costs
$430 - $1,350/person
Costs Include
Free program manual. Training is @$400/person. Implementation includes staff time for outreach and screening, PEARLS sessions, clinical supervision (supervisor and counselor), data entry, program management.
Outcomes
Depression, quality of life, physical activity, social activity, pleasant events, self-rated health, health services utilization.
Materials
PEARLS Toolkit (available for online download)
Staffing
Case managers, social workers, nurses.
Individual vs. Group
Individual
Mode
In-person, Phone Follow-up
Data Requirements
Standardized reporting forms
Languages
English. Spanish, Russian, Chinese forms available. Has been implemented with both native-speaking counselors and through interpreters with Asian, Hispanic, and African-American elders.
