PEARLS

PEARLS (The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives) program is designed to reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life in older adults. The program includes six to eight sessions over the course of four to five months and can be offered in-home, over the phone, or virtually. It is designed to:

• Recognize the symptoms of depression

• Use a seven-step approach to identify and solve problems

• Plan social and physical activities which often improve the mood of people with depression

To be eligible for the PEARLS program the participant must:

• Be 60 years or older
• Reside in Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, or Union Counties
• Be currently experiencing depression or isolation symptoms
• Be diagnosed with major depression, minor depression, or persistent depressive disorder (PDD- An ongoing, low-grade depression of 2 or more years)

• **Adults who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, or have had medical treatment due to manic-depressive illness or episodes will be screened out and NOT eligible for the PEARLS Program.**