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**Name of Project:** Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression, Empowering
Activities for Seniors) for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

**Name of Organization:** Office of Elder Services -- Department of
Health and Human Services, Augusta, ME

**Description of Program**

The Office of Elder Services (OES), Department of Health and Human
Services, with funding from the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA)
Alzheimer\'s Disease Demonstration Grant to States Program (ADDGS) and
in partnership with the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Partners in
Healthy Aging and the Muskie School of Public Service is implementing
**Healthy IDEAS**, an evidence-based depression prevention program.

While Healthy IDEAS was developed for older adults with chronic
conditions, OES has innovatively adapted the program to identify and
address depressive symptoms in **caregivers** of individuals with
dementia to improve their well-being and quality of life. OES is focused
on promoting health and well-being of caregivers through behavioral
changes in lifestyles to reduce risks of disease, including depression.
Since caregivers\' ability to provide care to individuals in the
community is partially contingent on their health, it is anticipated
that Healthy IDEAS may help individuals with dementia remain in their
homes longer, avoiding or delaying nursing home placement.

Research shows that the program is effective in reducing depressive
symptoms in older adults with chronic conditions by empowering
individuals through self-care and self-management. Data collection and
analysis will be completed to determine whether the outcomes with
caregivers are consistent with the research.

Healthy IDEAS is an integrated component of an existing respite program
for caregivers of individuals with dementia. This respite program began
as a model using ADDGS funds and subsequently was determined to be so
valuable that it was funded by a state appropriation. All caregivers
participating in the program are provided information and educational
materials on depressive symptoms. They are offered the opportunity to be
screened for depressive symptoms using a simple, two-question screening
tool. For those who \"screen-in\", meaning depression is indicated, a
nine-question assessment is provided per their agreement to determine
the severity of their depressive symptoms. For caregivers who score mild
to moderate in the assessment, behavioral activation is available to
help them identify and engage in activities to reduce their depressive
symptoms. Referral to community mental health services is an option for
caregivers who identify wanting treatment and/or therapy for their
depressive symptoms. A physician/consultant is contracted to provide
training and consultation about issues related to depression and other
topics related to mental health with those implementing Healthy IDEAS.

Inter and intra agency collaboration has been critical to the successful
implementation of Healthy IDEAS in the areas of education, resource
identification, referral and linkages. Additional partners with the
ADDGS grant include the Office of Adult Mental Health Services, Aging
and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Family Caregiver Programs
(FCPs), and community based mental health service providers to actively
continue planning, advising, developing, and supporting the Project.

Alzheimer\'s Coordinators at the AAAs have screened over eighty
caregivers since January \'08. Depression was indicated in approximately
forty-five percent of those screened. All but four of the caregivers who
\"screened-in\" completed the assessment. Currently there are fifteen
caregivers involved in behavioral activation.

For more information about Healthy IDEAS, contact 1-800-ELDERS or OES at
287-9200.