Social Prescribing Program – Seniors Community Connector

Let’s talk about your health and wellness goals!  

Social Prescribing is a non-medical and non-clinical way of referral to meet the need for social and community support of older adults. It aims to increase their quality of life, reduce social isolation, and improve their physical and mental wellness while living independently with respect and dignity.  

The Community Connector at JFS works with eligible older adults to connect with community support and seniors' services. Referrals can be from the health authority (Vancouver Coastal Health), community organizations, family or friends, and self-referral.

Program Brochures:

• In English
• In Russian
• In Simplified Chinese 简体中文
• In Traditional Chinese 繁體中文

Who is eligible for our program?
Anyone who meets the following criteria (* = Mandatory) 

• *Older Adults 65+ in the Mount Pleasant, Kensington, Riley Park/South Cambie area
• *Willingness AND ability to develop a wellness plan
• *Socially isolated or lonely 
• Low to moderate income and/or frailty 
• Food security concerns 
• Lacks informal supports and/or lives alone 

What are the positive outcomes from participating in the program?  

For older adults, social prescribing can

• Improve physical and mental health 
• Decrease social isolation and loneliness 
• Reduce reliance on medical supports
• Improve access to income support and nutrition and access to food

How does it work?
There is a journey map for each participant enrolling in our social prescribing program  

1. Receive referral  
2. Intake interview & Assessment (In-person) 
3. Co-develop wellness plan 
4. Research and Referrals 
5. Follow-Up 

Examples of Seniors Community Connector Support  

• Nutrition Support/Food Access Concerns:  You don’t have enough food or you need help with meals/groceries. The Community Connector will connect you with food, meal delivery/grocery programs.
• Assist with discharge home from hospital:  You have no one to help with tasks related to coming home after a hospital stay. The Community Connector will connect you with resources to help you. 

• Physical activity needs:  You would like to be more active. SCC will connect you with community exercise programs/community centers.  

• Homebound with difficulty in basic daily activities:  You live alone and have challenges with doing basic daily tasks (cooking, housekeeping, commuting). The  Community Connector will connect you with helpful community resources. 

• Social Engagement/Leisure Activities:  You feel lonely. The Community Connector will connect you to peer support and/or social activities in or close to your community.