A template for referring seniors to community organizations

Community-based organizations (CBOs) can provide a wealth of health benefits to patients, especially older patients. The U.S. Administration on Aging supports a network of CBOs with programs that help with fall prevention, dementia care, increased physical activity, medication management, and care transitions. Other CBOs have a long history of delivering in-home meals that can be tailored to seniors’ dietary needs.

Some of these programs require a physician referral. Even if they don’t, it’s a good idea to communicate with these community partners when you send patients to them. Having a form on hand to capture all the pertinent information is helpful. Here’s a template you can use if you don’t want to create your own.