Building the capacity of older adults and community: findings from a developmental evaluation of United Way British Columbia’s social prescribing programs for older adults

IntroductionOlder adults with higher needs are ideal candidates for social prescribing interventions, given the complex and intersectoral nature of their needs. This article describes findings from a developmental evaluation of 19 social prescribing programs for older adults at risk of frailty. MethodsAn evaluation of the programs was conducted from 2020 to 2023. We used data from three components of the evaluation: (1) initial evaluation data collected in 2020 and 2021; (2) program profiles developed in 2022; and (3) co-creation sessions conducted in 2023. ResultsFrom startup until March 2023, the programs served a total of 2544 older adults. The community connectors identified factors at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy levels that contributed to the successful implementation and delivery of their programs (e.g. physician champions, communities of practice, strong pre-existing relationships with the health care system), as well as challenges (e.g. limited capacity of family physicians, lack of community resources). There was strong agreement among community connectors that successful social prescribing programs should include the following core elements: (1) making connections to needed community resources; (2) co-creation of a wellness plan with long-term clients or clients who require intensive supports; (3) ongoing follow-up and check-ins for clients with wellness plans; and (4) an assessment and triaging process for the prioritization of clients. ConclusionTo leverage the full potential of social prescribing interventions, it is essential that programs engage with a range of health and social care providers, that community connectors are skilled and well supported, and that adequate investments are made in the nonprofit and voluntary sector.