Fraser Health is the recipient of two Michael Smith Health Research BC grants to help evaluate and expand social prescribing.
Photo: Dr. Grace Park, Fraser Health’s clinical research lead for Geroscience and Frailty, and Margaret Lin, registered nurse and regional project lead, Home and Community Health
Most seniors aspire to live meaningful lives in their own homes and communities. Aging, though, has a way of throwing a wrench into life’s plans and many seniors will, at some point in their lives, require assistance to access health and community resources that are essential in supporting healthy aging.
Social prescribing allows people to age in place by connecting older adults to community resources for exercise, socialization and improved nutrition. Fraser Health is a Canadian leader in this novel approach to aging. Now, thanks to two Michael Smith Health Research BC development grants through the Advancing the Use of Evidence in Seniors’ Home and Community Care Program, we have the resources to take social prescribing to the next level.
“Fraser Health is a pioneer in social prescribing in Canada because we have been able to implement it in a systemic manner throughout the region,” says Dr. Grace Park, clinical research lead, Geroscience and Frailty. “Now, with these grants, and in partnership with United Way, Simon Fraser University and the University of B.C., we will be able to develop a framework for evaluating and expanding social prescribing even further. If future grant applications are successful, we will be able to support other health authorities to implement social prescribing in their regions as well.”
Social prescribing allows primary care practitioners, assisted living providers, community nurses, social workers, allied health professionals and acute care staff to refer seniors to a seniors’ community connector for a social prescription in one or more of the following areas: physical activity, social engagement, caregiver support and food security.
The connectors come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are retired nurses or health care professionals and others are experienced community members. There are currently 21 seniors’ connectors working in 15 Fraser Health communities. The program is funded by the Ministry of Health through the United Way.
“We know that social prescribing is having a positive impact on people’s lives,” says Margaret Lin, registered nurse and regional project lead, Home and Community Health. “With the development grants and the possibility of future funding to scale up and improve social prescribing, we hope to improve health and quality of life for older adults and families across the province.”