Why Develop A Gatekeeper Program?

In the Niagara Region, over 17% (approx. 70,000) of our residents are over the age of 65 and experts predict that this number will continue to rise. Currently, 16,705 (26%) seniors over the age of 65 report they lived alone. Perhaps more importantly, a report presented to the District Health Council (February 1997) estimated that between 18% and 25% of adults over the age of 65 have mental health and other health care needs that require ongoing community support.

The majority of older adults lead healthy, active and productive lives. They live in their own homes or apartments, and have a good support system made up of family, friends and neighbours. Others are not as fortunate. There are many seniors who have no family or friends to act on their behalf when they begin to experience failing health, memory loss, confusion, or depression.

Because these problems often develop over time, many older adults fail to recognize that problems exist or understand the severity of their problems. Fear of losing control over their lives and the belief they will be forced to move into a nursing home if someone finds out how poorly they are functioning, can also prevent seniors from seeking outside help. Consequently, many older adults who need help remain invisible to the many community services designed to help them

Services for older adults have typically relied on the use of public information techniques (e.g., radio, posters, and brochures) to reach older people in need of assistance. The belief is that those in need will call and ask for help. These efforts are somewhat successful with older adults who can seek help on their own and for those with a family support system who call on their behalf. However, these methods have not been successful in reaching those most isolated in the community.

The Niagara Gatekeepers Program establishes an essential link between at-risk older adults and community support services. The program is preventive in its focus because it provides a way to identify and help older adults with unmet needs BEFORE a serious crisis develops.