Program Description:
The Social Prescribing program supports seniors to access non-clinical, community based services
to prevent or delay frailty by fostering resilience and social support using a comprehensive, strength-based
approach. Participants of social prescribing programs out of the Canada have reported
improvements to health and wellbeing, health-related behaviour, emotional state, social contacts
and day-to-day functioning. When a Healthcare provider identifies a patient who could benefit from
the program they can send a 'prescription' to the Seniors' Community Connector who will support
the patient to access suitable local sources of support.
Referral Criteria:
Seniors living in Chilliwack who are experiencing:
social isolation;
depression/anxiety;
major life events such as loss of a spouse;
common health issues such as heart failure and COPD;
physical inactivity;
poor nutrition and/or food security concerns;
poor health outcomes associated with social determinants of health (low income, Indigenous/Métis/Inuit, LGBTQA2S, history of Adverse Childhood Experience, etc.);
frequent use of primary health care.
Examples of non-clinical community support services:
Physical Activity Programs
Osteofit, walking groups, chair yoga, lawn bowling, Aquafit, Move for Life
Nutrition/Food Programs
Batch cooking programs, congregate meal programs, cooking classes, Meals on Wheels, Food Bank and food security programs
Social Programs & Services
Art classes, book clubs, coffee clubs, knitting groups, community centers, mental health services and support with applications for HandyDart, taxi savers, affordable housing
Caregiver Programs
support groups, educations sessions, one-to-one support