Social Prescribing
The Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC) is supporting a collaborative project, in partnership with SAGE Seniors Association, Jewish Family Services Edmonton, The Multicultural Health Brokers, Drive Happiness and Edmonton Meals on Wheels to pilot Social Prescribing for Seniors 55+ in Edmonton.
- The Social Prescribing collaborative aims to purposefully link the health care system with community-Based Senior Serving (CBSS) organizations by establishing a formal referral pathway and mechanisms for ongoing collaborative service delivery.
- The project expands and extends the 2022 Aging in Community Supports Program (Alberta In-Home Supports Demonstration Project) supported by the Government of Alberta and Healthy Aging Alberta to reduce the pressure on Alberta’s health care system.
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. 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:
Information for Healthcare Providers:
- Edmonton Seniors 55+ Social Prescribing Referral Form
- Healthcare Provider FAQ
- After a Referral is Made - Social Prescribing Pamphlet for Seniors