Helping at-risk older adults receive the care they need

Southwest General's Gatekeeper Program is designed to help at-risk older adults in the community receive the care they need, even when they are unable or unwilling to ask for it.

A Community Awareness Effort with the Elderly in Mind

The Gatekeeper Program reaches out to individuals, groups and organizations within the community for volunteers who, through the course of their day, may come in contact with older adults. It provides these volunteers with training and education on how to identify at-risk older adults, particularly those who are isolated, living alone and potentially in need of physical, mental and/or social services to maintain their independence. 

The trained volunteers call the Gatekeeper Office to make a referral when they have come in contact with an older adult in need of help. Upon referral, an in-home evaluation is performed by a registered nurse and social worker. A plan of care is then developed with client input, services are coordinated, and clients receive follow-up care and assistance. 

For more information on the Gatekeeper Program, please call our Health Connection at 440-816-5050.