Social Prescribing

Stay in your own home – living independently

Take advantage of programs running in your community or in communities nearby to benefit your health and improve your independence at home.

Social prescribing is connecting older adults with their local seniors resource coordinator, to access a variety of programs and services to support independent living and develop/maintain a healthy active lifestyle.

Social prescribing can provide you the opportunity to:

• Access group exercise classes & walking groups
• Learn about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
• Access community programs or companion services to reduce isolation and encourage social engagement
• Access in-home support for meals, housekeeping, home maintenance
• Learn about ways to adapt your home so you can remain living at home longer
• Participate in support groups such as Alzheimer’s, grief support, and Parkinson’s etc.
• Participate in outings and entertainment
• Transportation provided by handi-van service or volunteer drivers provided through Community Resource.

Call or visit your local Community Resource Council Office for more information. You can also contact the IERHA services to seniors team (see below) or talk to your Primary Care Provider at your regular appointment.                                

Non-Medical Care & Supports in your community

IERHA has partnered with local community resource organizations offering a broad range of non-medical social activities and programs for older adults who:

• Want to connect with people with similar interest
• Feel lonely or isolated
• Want to increase social participation, build confidence & learn new skills
• Would benefit from social engagement

For more information on Social Prescribing or enquiries regarding other Services to Seniors programs and services, please contact the Services to Seniors Coordinator for your area:

Below are just a few examples of the types of programs and services that social prescribing can offer you

• Friendly Connections – Regular phone calls and/or visits from a volunteer to play games together or chat
• Group Activity Classes – Hobby classes and lifelong learning classes, participate or volunteer to teach a class!
• Transportation – Book a ride for your medical appointment
• Meal Program – Connect with your local meal program for a hot nutritious meal or meals on wheels
• Lifeline – Personal medical alert service
• In-Home Services – Get linked with fee for service workers for housekeeping, laundry and yardwork

• Intellectual stimulation – Interacting with others through games and conversation keeps the mind active Emotional Support
• Emotional Support – Can help alleviate feelings of depression and loneliness
• Healthy Habit Building – Physical or wellness programs and activities can contribute to better overall health
• Sense of Purpose – Participating in social groups can give a sense of purpose and fulfillment and can boost self-esteem Peer Support
• Peer Support – Social support networks can serve as a buffer against stress and adversity, helping older adults cope better with life’s challenges