The potential of social prescribing to improve the health and wellbeing of older people on social care waiting lists: A critical exploration

This study aims to explore how social prescribing (SP) can be better used to improve the health and wellbeing of older people who are awaiting social care.

It shall focus on domiciliary (home) care (DC), due to the significantly high number of individuals currently on a waiting list, and with conditions which can often be improved through community-based, non-clinical services.

SP is a relatively new, health-based intervention, which connects individuals with community support and has greatly improved the health and wellbeing of older people when delivered effectively.

However, there is evidence displaying low levels of interactions amongst this group, particularly amongst those awaiting DC.

Through conducting in-depth interviews and diary keeping with social prescribers and older people awaiting DC, this study shall explore contemporary experiences with SP, gaining a detailed understanding surrounding which barriers may be restricting its effectiveness, thereby able to explicitly guide policy progressions.