A Prescription for Change - Social Prescribing Primer
A Prescription for Change
Healthy Aging Alberta's Social Prescribing for Older Adults Program
Facilitated by Healthy Aging Alberta’s Social Prescribing for Older Adults Program
In every community, older adults play an important role and make a positive impact on society. They serve as mentors, volunteers and loving grandparents. After a lifetime of working hard and raising families, 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 55 can age in place and avoid the need for higher levels of care.
Bridging the Gap
Healthy Aging Alberta's Social Prescribing for Older Adults Program is facilitated by community-based organizations in Lethbridge, Edmonton, and Calgary.
What is Social Prescribing?
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.
Below you will find a primer document that contains the information you need to promote social prescribing in your community and make referrals for patients and clients in:
- Lethbridge
- Edmonton
- Calgary
- Innisfail
- Jasper
- Red Deer
- Strathmore
- Sylvan Lake
- Vulcan
- Whitecourt
File Attachments
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By
Healthy Aging Alberta
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Published
Aug 09, 2023
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Subject Area
- Social Connectedness / Social Isolation
- General Health and Wellness
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Housing
- Transportation
- Food & Nutritional Support
- Food Security and Nutritional Supports
- Referral and Systems Navigation
- Information, Referral, & Advocacy
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Audience
- Service Providers (Non-profits, Community Organizations, Local government)
- Academics
- Funders
- Government (Politicians, Policy Makers) and Health Authorities
- Caregivers, Seniors & Volunteers
- Government
- Health Authorities
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Category
- Policy, Planning, & Procedures
- Research & Evidence
- Transportation
- Success Stories
- Best Practices
Newsletter
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