In Links2Wellbeing, referrals are the starting point for connecting older adults to social, recreational, wellness, and community programs. As a new Link Worker, your role is to receive the referral, understand the client’s basic needs or interests, protect their information, and begin the process of connecting them to the right centre or program.
This chapter will guide you through:
Understand the first step of receiving referrals
Information should be reviewed when a referral arrives
Client Referral Form
Social Prescription Pads
A referral is a request from a health care provider, community partner, or other referring organization to connect an older adult with a Seniors Active Living Centre, Older Adult Centre, or related social prescribing program.
Referrals may come from sources such as:
Community Health Centres
Family Health Teams
Community Paramedics
Solo Physicians
Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics
Hospitals
Pharmacists
Other community or health partners
These referral source options are listed directly on the Client Referral Form.
When the centre receives a referral, the Link Worker should first review the Client Referral Form carefully. The form includes the client’s name, phone number, email if available, program interests, notes, referring organization, referrer name, referrer role, direct phone number, and email.
Step 1: Client is identified
A healthcare provider notices that the older adult may benefit from community-based social or recreational programs.
Step 2: Social prescription is written
The healthcare provider completes a Social Prescription Pad or referral-related document to recommend participation at a local centre.
Step 3: Referral is received
The local centre receives the prescription or referral. At this point, staff should review the document and check the client’s basic information, program interests, and referral source.
Step 4: Client is contacted
Local centre staff or a Volunteer Link Ambassador reaches out directly to the referred client to introduce the centre and explain possible supports.
Step 5: Client is connected to programs
Staff or the Volunteer Link Ambassador helps the client connect with suitable programs and addresses possible barriers, such as membership fees, transportation, or confidence in attending.
Step 6: Follow-up support
Local centre staff or volunteers regularly follow up with the client to support continued participation and make sure the client feels welcomed and connected.
The 📄 Client Referral Form is the main document used when a referral is formally sent to a centre. It includes:
Date of referral
Client name
Client phone number
Client email address, if available
Program interests or other notes
Referring organization
Type of referral source
Referrer name, position, phone number, and email
Centre contact information for where the form should be faxed or emailed
The form also reminds referrers that social and recreational programs are not able to serve clients requiring clinical interventions or individuals living with significant cognitive impairments.
Why Link Workers need to read it:
This form tells you who the client is, how to contact them, what they may be interested in, and who made the referral. It is the starting point for follow-up.
The basic Social Prescription Pad is a simple outreach tool that can be used by a referral partner. It includes space for:
Centre logo and fax number
Client name
Date
Centre phone number and email
Signature and date
Why Link Workers need to read it:
It helps you understand how community partners may introduce Links2Wellbeing to clients in a simple and familiar format
📄Social Prescription Pad – Basic Version
The activity-based Social Prescription Pad includes the same basic information, but also allows the referrer to identify possible activity areas, such as:
Social activities
Physical activities and sports/recreation
Arts and crafts
Cards and games
Educational activities
Health and wellness
Dining activities
Other activities
Why Link Workers need to read it:
It gives early clues about the client’s interests and can help guide the first conversation.
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