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Community Gatekeepers

Who are Community Gatekeepers?

Gatekeepers are trained to recognize signs and symptoms indicating a person may need assistance. Gatekeepers include mail and newspaper carriers, meter readers, utility workers, ministers, church personnel, sanitary disposal workers, paramedics, senior nutrition workers, apartment and mobile home managers, bank tellers, neighbors, community volunteers and others.

What is the Purpose of the Gatekeeper Program?

The primary goal of the Gatekeeper Program is to identify frail, vulnerable and, frequently, isolated elderly people who are at risk for abuse or neglect and to being services into their homes that will help them maintain independent lives. These individuals do not self-refer. Early identification of at-risk elderly people can prevent premature institutionalization, abuse and neglect.

How will the Gatekeeper Program Meet its Primary Goal?

The Gatekeeper Program seeks to provide community education and training regarding identification and intervention in cases of elder abuse and neglect. The Program is designed to train Gatekeepers to identify and refer at-risk elderly persons to available services for quick intervention. Once a person who is in need of social, medical, mental health or other services is identified, the Lake County Council on Aging is contacted. Gatekeepers are not social workers and are not asked to do anything except to report by phone when they find someone in trouble or who needs assistance.

What information is reported by Gatekeepers?

Whenever possible, Gatekeepers are asked to provide the following information when they call:

Elder's name
Age, if known
Address or directions to Elder's residence or whereabouts
A brief description of concerns
Gatekeeper's name, telephone number and address

What are Some Indicators of an Elderly Person At Risk?

Neglect in self-care is a strong indicator that an older person is experiencing difficulties, such as: unkempt appearance, uncombed hair, dirty and/or inappropriate clothing and body odors. The person may exhibit a worrisome mental or emotional state and appear confused, disoriented, forgetful, withdrawn, suspicious, hostile or morose and depressed. The may be unable to handle their finances; bills haven’t been paid and/or phone service may have been disconnected.

The conditions of the home may reflect an inability to care for self or loss of interest. Signs may include little or no food, strong odors, neglected pets, clutter, accumulated garbage or litter, old newspapers lying about and/or the landscaping and dwelling needing maintenance and repair.

For information and training, contact us

The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm. — Aldous Huxley