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2021 Highlights

2021 Annual Report: Meeting the Need

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2021 Highlights

FREED staff are gathered outside the Grass Valley office, some seated, some standing. All are wearing masks and waving their hands, facing the camera.
FREED staff outside our Grass Valley office in 2021

PEARLS: Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding LiveS

PEARLS is a community integrated, home-based treatment for depression that significantly reduces symptoms and improves health. It is an evidence based, best practice for working with older adults.

FREED piloted the program in 2020-21 after Maureen Gerecke attended a training by the University of Washington along with Anastacia Knight, the Social Outreach Coordinator for Nevada County, and Diane Miessler, a Senior Outreach Nurse. The first year, we had 36 referrals for the program with 23 participants. 79% of Pearl Participants demonstrated significant improvement in their depression Symptoms as measured by the PH-Q9, a standardized depression screening.

During the current year to date, we have had 35 referrals and 29 participants. After receiving additional PEI funds, we are training 3 more Coaches from FREED and other community partners to add to the team. The additional funding is also providing a Clinical Supervisor, who will consult with the team by zoom once a month.

The PEARL’S Process:

  1. The coach and participant meet by phone, Zoom, or in person, as comfort allows. In-person services are preferred if all parties are comfortable.
  2. A depression screening (PHQ-9) takes place at the beginning, at each session, and at the culmination to track progress.
  3. There are 6 to 8, 1-hour sessions over 6 months: (weekly, bi-weekly, then monthly) and then 3-6 follow up phone calls.
  4. The focus is on the Problem-solving process and increasing social, physical, and pleasurable activities

Yuba Sutter ADRC Designation

In October of 2021, the Yuba Sutter ADRC received state designation! Aging and Disability Resource Connections (ADRCs) are groups of organizations coordinating efforts to benefit older adults and people with disabilities living in our communities.

The ADRC of Yuba-Sutter Counties is a cross county effort to make connecting to the services and supports that seniors and people with disabilities need easier. We provide Information and Assistance, Person Centered Counseling, Short Term Service Coordination and Transition supports to make sure people can leave the hospital or nursing home and return to the community with all that they need to maintain safety and stability in their living environments. To learn more about our ADRC partners and the services that the Yuba- Sutter ADRC can provide, please look at our Yuba- Sutter ADRC website.

To get involved in this collaboration, please contact Ladonne Easton at ladonne@FREED.org

 

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