Niagara Gatekeepers
Niagara Region is giving new life to a program designed to help 'at risk' seniors who may need assistance due to deteriorating health or other circumstances.
Goals of the Niagara Gatekeepers Program
Niagara Gatekeepers helps members of the community learn to identify the signs of a senior who may need support services to ensure safety and well-being. The program links these people to programs before a crisis situation develops.
The program relies on volunteers to increase awareness of the signs of a senior at risk. These include:
- difficulty communicating/memory loss
- becoming withdrawn, hostile or angry
- changes to personal appearance
- deteriorating home conditions
- deteriorating health/difficulty seeing, speaking or hearing, poor mobility
- decreased ability to handle money or pay bills
- neglect or abuse/isolation, wandering
Gatekeepers Referral Line
The Gatekeepers program operates a confidential referral line which the public can call if they feel a senior they know may need help. The call results in a visit to the senior by a representative who can refer the individual to an appropriate agency for ongoing support.
The Gatekeeper line, 905-684-0968, is operated from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Background and Volunteer Opportunities
Launched 13 years ago, the program recently received funding from the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network. It’s one of several programs delivered by Niagara Region Seniors Services to promote safety and independence for seniors.
The program is delivered through a partnership involving Community Care Access Centre Niagara, and the Alzheimer Society of Niagara and the Niagara Region.
For more information or to volunteer, call 905-984-6900 ext. 3865.