(Cochrane, AB) — The Town of Cochrane has introduced a new social prescribing link worker pilot program, made possible through funding from Healthy Aging Alberta. This new resource will help local healthcare providers connect older adults with non-clinical community supports that can contribute to their health and well-being.
Through the funding received, the Town of Cochrane has secured a dedicated link worker for a two-year period. This new role supports Action 7 of the Age-Friendly Action Plan 2025-2029, which is to "increase connectivity with available healthcare resources through education and system navigation." The Action focuses on helping older adults better understand and access healthcare and community supports through clearer information, improved system navigation and exploration of new models of care.
Social prescribing recognizes the factors outside the clinical healthcare system – including social connection, transportation, recreation, food security and access to community services – can influence a person's overall well-being.
“Being an age-friendly community means making sure older adults feel connected, supported and know they don’t have to navigate challenges alone,” says Kim Krawec, Manager, Family & Community Support Services, Town of Cochrane. “That’s what makes the link worker such an important step in advancing the Age-Friendly Action Plan. This isn’t simply about providing someone with a phone number or pointing them toward a service. The Link Worker can build a longer-term relationship with participating residents, helping them overcome barriers, make meaningful connections and access the supports they need to thrive in their later years. That sense of community and belonging is at the heart of what Age-Friendly Cochrane is all about.”
Once referred to by a participating healthcare provider, the social prescribing link worker provides individualized, non-clinical support to clients identify their goals, navigate available resources and overcome barriers to accessing community supports and programs. The role does not replace healthcare services or providers but instead provides an additional resource to support patients beyond the clinical setting and help them follow through on connections to appropriate community-based supports.
The introduction of social prescribing within Cochrane is being piloted on a smaller scale as the Town works closely with community healthcare partners to establish a proper referral pathway and ensure the support needed for each participant is appropriately managed. Referrals to social prescribing are at the discretion of participating healthcare providers based on their assessment of whether social prescribing may be appropriate for their patient. The pilot framework identifies potential areas of support including system navigation, social and emotional connection, health and recreation opportunities, financial concerns, housing and outreach.
“Healthy Aging Alberta is pleased to see this investment in strengthening community supports for older adults in Cochrane,” says Michael Procinsky, Navigation Supports Manager, Healthy Aging Alberta. “Social prescribing creates a bridge between healthcare and community services, helping older adults access resources that support their overall health and well-being. This work contributes to creating a more age-friendly community by ensuring supports are available when older adults need them, enabling them to remain connected, independent, and engaged in their communities.”
As the pilot program progresses, the Town and participating partners will continue to refine the referral process, gather feedback and learn how the Link Worker role can best complement existing health and community services. The work reflects the broader Age-Friendly Action Plan's focus on coordinated community partnerships and helping older adults remain healthy, connected and independent in Cochrane.
For more information about Age-Friendly Cochrane and the 2025–2029 Action Plan, visit cochrane.ca/agefriendly.
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