A holistic approach to health, social prescribing bridges the gap between medical and social care services.
The Golden Circle’s 50+ Circle of Support Social Prescribing Program is a social prescribing program that links the healthcare system to senior-serving organizations in Red Deer County and area. This reduces the demand on healthcare professionals and better equips them to support older patients (50+).
In every community, older adults play an important role and make a positive impact on society. They serve as mentors, volunteers and loving family members. After a lifetime of working hard and building communities, they continue to share their wisdom and experience with the next generation.
Older adults deserve a life of independence and dignity.
But this is not a reality for many Albertans. Older adults – especially those who live alone – often lack access to community-based resources needed to complement their medical care. Social supports like food and housing programs help ensure those over 50 can age in place and avoid the need for higher levels of care.
Social prescribing is a holistic approach to healthcare that bridges the gap between medical and social care services. Through this approach, healthcare professionals refer patients to community-based programs to improve their health and enhance their quality of life.
Everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full health potential.
Social prescribing promotes health equity by addressing social needs that affect health and well-being – like access to adequate housing, food, transportation, income and social support. This helps older adults with limited natural supports to thrive.
Social Prescription
A primary healthcare provider fills out a form to make a social prescription (referral to a Link Worker).
Link Worker
A Link Worker* receives the referral and partners with the older adult to develop key health and social goals through community resources.
Support
The older adult accesses community-based supports to improve their health and well-being.
*A Link Worker is a non-clinical professional employed by a community-based, senior-serving organization. This individual builds relationships with older adults under their care and monitors their progress.
