Brooke MacCallum Communications Coordinator ARTA

The process is a familiar one: you make an appointment with a doctor or healthcare provider, giving them a detailed explanation of any changes in your health. In return, they might ask you specific questions, perform a physical exam, and run tests to confirm a diagnosis. In some cases, a prescription is written as part of your treatment plan, and you’ re on track to staying healthy— yay!

But what if you could receive a prescription to fill some other nonmedical needs in your life? It turns out, you can. To support healthy aging while reducing pressures on the health-care system, Healthy Aging Alberta( HAA) began the Social Prescribing for Older Adults Program. This plan was designed to bridge the gap between medical and social services for older adults through strengthened connections in their community.

So, how exactly does social prescribing work?“ In their appointment or conversation, the health-care provider might recognize that the patient has some unmet non-medical needs,” explains Beth Mansell, Provincial Social Prescribing Project Manager at HAA.“ The health-care provider then makes a referral to a link worker, who meets with the older adult for a more holistic assessment and to co-create a care plan together, which is very participatory.”

There are many needs older adults might experience that aren’ t medical, but still affect their health: social isolation, food security, financial strain, access to transportation, the list goes on.“ We know that these challenges can have a long term effect. By connecting these individuals to the supports they need in their community, we can have a positive outcome on their well-being,” says Krista Mulbery, Social Prescribing Manager at Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council( ESCC).

Over a period of time, between three to six months on average, link workers help older adults achieve the goals set out in their care plans by connecting them with resources including social, financial, or recreational programs. This isn’ t a one-size-fits-all approach— each client has unique needs. Link workers might assist clients with filling out forms to access benefits, go with them to a social group or recreational class for the first time, or help them find in-home support such as light housekeeping, snow removal, or a meal delivery service.

“ There’ s a lot of support out there, but accessing them and following

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