Unison Connect is a new social prescribing initiative in Medicine Hat – bridging the gap between medical and community supports. Social prescribing links the healthcare system to senior-serving organizations in Medicine Hat. This reduces the demand on healthcare professionals and better equips them to support older patients (50+). Through the program, doctors, nurse practitioners and other regulated health professionals alike, can promote healthy aging and resilience in their communities.

Social prescribing can help reduce the length and frequency of hospital stays. It also helps improve physical and mental health in the long term.

Medicine Hat Social Prescribing is a social prescribing program facilitated by Unison at Veiner Centre, that connects older adults to community-based services and supports in Medicine Hat. Through the program, healthcare providers can refer older patients to a Social Prescribing Team to access local resources and improve their overall health and well-being.

STEP 1 Social Prescription Together with your healthcare provider, you identify a non-medical need that may be affecting your overall health. With your consent, your healthcare provider makes a social prescription, referring you to a Link Worker at Unison Veiner Centre.

STEP 2 Social Prescribing Team Unison’s Link Worker connects with you to develop your key health and social goals through community resources.

STEP 3 Support Working alongside your Link Worker, you identify community-based programs and resources to support your goals. This could include home and yard maintenance, recreational programs like yoga or a book club, or help accessing financial benefits. As you participate in these programs, the Link Worker provides ongoing support.

Here you can download useful resources about Unison Connect at Veiner Centre:

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