GATEKEEPERS

Specializing in identifying and offering intervention for seniors living in severe self-neglect (known as Diogenes Syndrome).

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

• 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