Social Prescribing

 

The 55+ Social Prescribing Project is supported by the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC) in partnership with SAGE Seniors Association, Jewish Family Services Edmonton, The Multicultural Health Brokers, Drive Happiness and Edmonton Meals on Wheels, and Caregivers Alberta.

• The Social Prescribing collaborative aims to purposefully link the health care system with Community-Based Senior Serving (CBSS) organizations through a formal referral pathway and mechanisms for ongoing collaborative service delivery.
• The Project, supported by the Government of Alberta and Healthy Aging Alberta, aims to reduce the pressure on Alberta's healthcare system.

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. 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.

Project Information:

• Update I
• Update II

Information for Healthcare Providers:

• Edmonton Seniors 55+ Social Prescribing Referral Form
• Healthcare Provider FAQ
• After a Referral is Made - Social Prescribing Pamphlet for Seniors

Healthy Aging Alberta Materials:

• Social Prescribing FAQ
• For Healthcare Providers
• A Prescription for Change