through can be a barrier,” says Mulbery.“ As we’ re cocreating the goals with our clients, the intent is to help them transition into doing those things independently over time.”
Link workers must be trained as social prescribing professionals, but their backgrounds can vary; some are registered social workers, while others are simply passionate about working with older adults and have an extensive knowledge of the different programs and services that exist in their community. In their roles, they give progress updates on the client to the referring healthcare provider and are constantly identifying new opportunities for improved services for older adults.
One of the main purposes of the social prescribing program is to take non-medical needs out of the medical system. According to Mansell, approximately 50 % of social prescription referrals come from home care, 25 % from primary care, and another 25 % from acute care / hospital discharge. Referrals can also come from other regulated healthcare providers, such as paramedics or community pharmacists; it depends on the community and where those relationships exist.
While there is no cost for older adults to participate in the social prescribing program, costs can be associated with the resources themselves( for example, gym memberships, bus passes, housekeeping). However, link workers always strive to find supports based on each client’ s financial situation.
Although this provincewide program is still in its first few years, its success has been evident with a steady rise in referrals.“ We are seeing really strong impacts on individuals to maintain their overall health and wellbeing. They are able to maintain their independence, stay in their homes for longer, and remain connected to their communities,” Mulberry says.
If there isn’ t a social prescribing program for older adults in your community but you would like there to be, you can connect with Healthy Aging Alberta at 403-441-2263 or info @ healthyagingalberta. ca for resources to use when speaking with potential funders.
Healthy Aging Alberta currently supports social prescribing programs in the following communities:
Bonnyville Calgary Edmonton Fort McMurray Grande Prairie Innisfail Jasper Lethbridge Medicine Hat Olds
Red Deer Red Deer County St. Albert
Strathmore / Wheatland County
Sundre Sylvan Lake Vulcan Whitecourt
To learn more about social prescribing, you can also visit corealberta. ca / resources / what-is-social-prescribing-in-alberta and seniorscouncil. net / social-prescribing
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