Chapter 1: Referrals

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

📄 Client Referral Form

📄 Social Prescription Pad – Basic Version

📄 Social Prescription Pad with Activities

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.

📄Social Prescription Pad with Activities