Contact of Northern Illinois

Gatekeeper

The Gatekeeper Program is an innovative partnership that respects and values the older members of this community. Seniors can count on familiar figures in their own neighborhoods to watch out for them and take prompt action when danger signs appear. With a trained Gatekeeper nearby, help is just a phone call away.

Background

Millions of older people in our country live alone. They are often determined to remain independent in the familiar comfort of their own homes, in spite of failing health and other challenges. With family members scattered and no one checking on them regularly, a simple problem may lead to disastrous consequences.

Gatekeepers to the rescue

The Gatekeeper Program was created to make sure that every older person has a network of trained community representatives looking out for them on a regular basis.

Gatekeepers are the public service and utility company employees, postal workers, newspaper carriers, garbage collectors and every day citizens who are trained to recognize danger signs indicating an elderly person is at risk. When a problem is suspected Gatekeepers call CONTACT Stephenson County Gatekeepers Program.

The Gatekeeper staff contacts the elderly person to determine whether there is cause for concern. The situation is assessed and referrals are made to vital services such as home delivered meals, medical care, homemaker services, transportation and financial assistance.Many seniors are unaware of the varied resources available to them at no or low cost. The Gatekeeper Program opens the door to services that may be the determining factor in maintaining an independent lifestyle.

How The Gatekeeper Program Works

Danger Signs That Gatekeepers Look For: HOME

-House in need of repair

-Yard overgrown, untended

-Mail or newspapers uncollected

PHYSICAL CONDITION

-Difficulties with seeing, hearing, speaking

-Limited mobility

EMOTIONAL WELL BEING

-Confused disoriented or forgetful

-Nervous or fearful

-Hostile or agitated

ECONOMIC SITUATION

-Not enough money for food or medication

-Unable to pay bills

SOCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

-Lives alone

-Appears isolated

-No contact with family or neighbors

Gatekeeper Reporting Process

1) Gatekeepers contact the Gatekeeper Line: 815-233-4357. Lines are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

2) Identify yourself as a Gatekeeper. We will need your name, organization and phone number.

3) Gatekeepers provide detailed information about the elderly person: name, address, phone number or contact person.

4) Gatekeepers provide details about the situation; observations of living conditions and needs; comments made by the elderly person; physical impairments-limited hearing or vision, confusion, other disabilities

The Gatekeepers specialist will update gatekeeper on referral if requested by the Gatekeeper