How To Make a Referral

It is essential that you read the Niagara Gatekeepers brochure, which provides all the information necessary for you to make a call to the Gatekeepers Intake Line. For your convenience, our brochure is in PDF format and is available in English or French.

Niagara Gatekeepers Brochure - English
Niagara Gatekeepers Brochure - French

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It is better to make the call than not to make the call. Referral calls are made to the Gatekeeper Intake Line located at Community Care Access Centre Niagara.

If this is an emergency situation requiring an immediate response, dial 911.

When making a referral, please provide us with your name and daytime phone number. If you do not want the older person to know that you are the referral source, please indicate this at the time you make the referral.

Whenever possible, please provide the following information:

1. The older person's name, gender and approximate age.
2. The address (or directions to their home or whereabouts) and phone number (if known).
3. Briefly describe your concerns about the person and/or their situation – e.g. the reason(s) you are making the referral – and what you hope can be done.
4. Your name, and daytime telephone number (in the event we need to contact you).

If you wish, staff will let you know once initial contact has been made with the referred individual.

Any additional information you can share that might better help us understand the needs and situation of the person you are referring (for example, name/phone number of family members, languages spoken, marital status, etc.) is greatly appreciated and will be kept strictly confidential.