Next month, my grandmother—whom I affectionately call Babcia, a tribute to our Polish roots—will celebrate her 97th birthday. She lives in a senior living facility in London, Ontario. I receive regular email updates about her well-being, and when I visit, we often stroll to the convenience store to pick up the local paper before heading back to her apartment to play cards or watch movies. During these visits, I find myself reflecting on the realities of aging and the importance of supporting our seniors—a stage of life I will inevitably reach myself.
We all have varying financial means and family support. While Babcia has access to activities like movie nights, chair yoga, and daily meals, she, like many elderly individuals, needs more. I worry that she spends too much time alone, especially as her circle of friends shrinks and many of our family members live in other cities. Her situation underscores the vulnerability of seniors, particularly those living at home without close family nearby. Many face isolation, as well as challenges with their health, nutrition, and staying active.
Recognizing the growing needs of seniors in our community, the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre secured funding from the United Way earlier this year to hire a Seniors Community Connector (SCC). This new role, established in June, focuses on social prescribing to help older adults set and achieve personal health and wellness goals. But what exactly does an SCC do, and how can they help?
Social prescribing is transforming healthcare by acknowledging that many health issues are rooted in social, economic, and environmental factors that can’t be addressed by medication alone. Instead of defaulting to prescriptions, healthcare professionals increasingly refer patients to community resources—such as exercise classes, social clubs, or volunteer opportunities—that target the root causes of their issues. This holistic approach not only improves physical and mental well-being but also empowers individuals to take charge of their health.
Our SCC meets with clients to understand their unique needs. They then collaborate with them—and their families, if they wish—to develop a non-medical plan that supports their well-being. Tailored to each person’s available resources, the plan connects them with programs and services that are the best fit. Social prescribing provides a sustainable, person-centred approach to health with the potential to transform lives and strengthen communities.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this type of support, there are a few eligibility requirements. Individuals must be 55 or older, live on the Lower Sunshine Coast, and be experiencing—or at risk of—frailty, social isolation, loneliness, or frequent visits to primary care or the ER.
If you would like to learn more, please get in touch:
Maryanne Brabander, Seniors Community Connector, [email protected], 604-885-4088 extension 3 or 604-989-4945, www.resourcecentre.ca/program/community-connector.
The Sunshine Coast Resource Centre is your community information hub at 107A—5710 Teredo St. We are open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact us at [email protected] or 604-885-4088. Search our online resource directory at www.resourcecentre.ca.
