Serving our Community for over 70 years
Charitable Registration # 10688 0230 RR0001
Gatekeepers Program - Hamilton
Fill out this Referral Form and fax to:
905-546-5779
The Hamilton Gatekeepers Program is an initiative of Catholic Family Services that works in conjunction with health and social service community partners to identify seniors living in severe self-neglect, known as “Diogenes Syndrome.” This service is intended to increase access to support services for vulnerable and at-risk seniors and prevent the need for other services such as hospitalization and long term care.
Overview of Services and Goals
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Ultimate goal is to improve quality of life and increase overall health and well-being
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Client-centered approach to assist seniors living in severe self-neglect to access support services; otherwise described as “opening the gate to services”
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Decrease isolation
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Increase safety within the home (link with services to decrease safety risks associated with tripping hazards, blocked fire exits, pests, etc.)
Client criteria:
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60 years of age and over
Clients typically display:
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Signs of extreme personal neglect: poor hygiene, body odour, wearing dirty or inappropriate clothing
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Signs of extreme domestic neglect: home is in severe disrepair, bad odours, excessive clutter, neglected pets, and lack of food
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Signs of excessive hoarding
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Social withdrawal
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Refusal of assistance
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Lack of concern about living conditions