Implementing PEARLS To Reduce Depression Among Older Adults in a Rural Community: A Quality Improvement Project

This quality improvement project aimed to implement the PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives for Seniors) intervention to reduce depression among older adults in a rural community. Recognizing the significant impact of depression on the health and well-being of older adults, the project focused on providing evidence-based strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of this population. The implementation involved training the project leader to facilitate the PEARLS program, which promotes problem-solving skills, social support, and physical activity. Subjects that were recruited included adults aged 50 and older that lived in Belle Glade, South Bay, and Pahokee who were experiencing symptoms of depression. Data was collected through pre- and post-intervention assessments using the standardized depression scale, PHQ-9, to measure changes in depressive symptoms. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in depression scores among participants, highlighting the effectiveness of the PEARLS intervention in enhancing mental health outcomes in older adults. This project underscores the importance of community-based programs in addressing mental health challenges and improving the quality of life for seniors in rural settings.