Gatekeepers Program - Hamilton/Halton

Fill out this Referral Form and fax to: 

Hamilton Local: 905-546-5779

or Halton Long Distance: 1-905-546-5779

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The Hamilton/Halton 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

 

• Ultimate goal is to improve quality of life and increase overall health and well-being

• Client-centered approach to assist seniors living in severe self-neglect to access support services; otherwise described as “opening the gate to services”

• Decrease isolation

• Increase safety within the home (link with services to decrease safety risks associated with tripping hazards, blocked fire exits, pests, etc.)

 

Client criteria:

• 60 years of age and over for Hamilton

• 49 years of age and over for Halton

 

Clients typically display:

• Signs of extreme personal neglect: poor hygiene, body odour, wearing dirty or inappropriate clothing

• Signs of extreme domestic neglect: home is in severe disrepair, bad odours, excessive clutter, neglected pets, and lack of food

• Signs of excessive hoarding

• Social withdrawal

• Refusal of assistance

• Lack of concern about living conditions