Gatekeeper Program for Seniors

A new program, called “Gatekeeper,” is training people dealing with senior citizens to look for small signs (e.g., unkempt appearance, forgetfulness) indicating bigger problems, according to a Hartford Courant article (Dec. 31, 3010). The program, piloted by St. Luke’s Elder Care Services, trains town employees, police officers, firefighters, senior center staff, among others, to look for signs of need and make confidential referrals to St. Luke if they think a person needs help. St. Luke assigns a social worker to make an appointment with the person and arrange for him or her to get the services needed, such as mental health screening or medical assistance.