Social Services-Wellness Program Overview
The Social Services department is a team of Social Workers, Nurses, and Caregiver Specialists who provide education and training, information and resource referral, and counseling and consultation to older adults and their families. Our staff is professionally trained in the fields of aging, mental health, physical health, and counseling. If you or someone you care about is experiencing difficulties – emotional, mental, physical, legal, or financial - we can connect you to helpful programs and services. We also maintain resource referral notebooks and two Caregiver Resource Centers for public use.
Our Programs and Services include:
- Counseling
- Early Stage Memory Loss Programs
- Evergreen Enhance Wellness
- Family Caregiver Support Program
- Meals on Wheels
- Medical Equipment Loan
- PEARLS Depression Management Program
- Support Groups
Our office is staffed Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. For more information contact the Social Services Desk at 425-486-4564 or individual staff members.
- Janet Zielasko, MS, LSW, (425) 286-1035, janetz@seniorservices.org
- Jeannie DeSmet, RN, (425) 286-1029, jeannied@seniorservices.org
- Roy Mishra,MAIS (425) 286-1047, roym@seniorservices.org
- Andrea Parker, MSW, (425) 488-4821, andreap@seniorservices.org
- Georgia Rigler, MSW, (425) 948-7183, georgiar@seniorservices.org
- Lee Gresko, RN, (206) 268-6740, leeg@seniorservices.org
Upcomming Events and Classes:
- Understanding the Value and Benefits of Self Compasion: In this session you will learn new tools and strategies for promoting self compasion.
Northshore Senior Center room 202
-Thursday January 19th from 10-11:30 at
-Pre-Registration Required; Contact Janet Zielasko at 425-286-1035
- Powerfull Tools for Caregivers: A six week Education series designed to provide you, the caregiver with tools needed to take care of yourself while caring for a loved one.
-Classes Begin Friday January 20th, from 12-2:30pm
-Please contact Janet Zielasko at 425-286-1035
- Swimming Solo: When Susan Rava discovers her father-in-law swimming solo—for the second time in the same day—out into Lake Michigan, she realizes he has begun a journey into the waters of Alzheimer’s disease. Please join us to hear Susan Rava in-person discuss her journey of caring for two sets of parents affected by Alzheimers disease for over 14 years, followed by a questions and answer session and get your copy of Swimming Solo signed by the author. Download PDF Flyer.
-Northshore Multipurpose Room
- Friday, February 3rd from 11 am to noon
- Reservations Required: please contact Roy Mishra at 425-286-1047
The Social Services department has played an active role in developing and implementing cutting-edge health and wellness programs. In 1996, the Northshore Senior Center was a test site for the EnhanceWellness Program (formerly known as the Health Enhancement Program). The research showed that participants increased their physical activity, had fewer symptoms of depression, and felt their overall health status had improved. By 2005, EnhanceWellness had won numerous state and national awards for promoting physical activity in older adults.
Social Services staff was also instrumental in testing PEARLS, a depression management program for older adults. The original research project, published in 2003, found that PEARLS participants were more likely to see a reduction in their symptoms of depression or experience complete remission from depression. PEARLS participants also had greater improvements in functional and emotional well-being.
Living Well With Chronic Conditions and Matter of Balance (fall prevention) are two other evidence-based programs offered by Social Services. All Social Services staff members are trained in at least one of these award-winning, evidence-based health management programs.