Details about the Gatekeeper Program

Middlesex United Way is proud to support organizations that look after what we consider to be “forgotten populations” groups of individuals in our community whose issues may sometimes otherwise go unseen or untreated.

In 2009, after the completion of a successful test pilot program, Middlesex United Way provided funding to the Middlesex Community Gatekeeper Program, and we continue to contribute as funding partners to this fantastic cause still to this day. After a tough economic year last year, and an even tougher one this year, it is important to recognize and highlight all the good our partners are doing and the issues they are advocating for.

The Gatekeeper Program helps to identify seniors in need of medical, social or mental health services through confidential referrals. This important program helps ensure our seniors can maintain their independence, and continue to be healthy and safe at home.

Individuals are encouraged to call when they feel concerned about a senior 60(+) who lives in Middlesex County and shows any of the following signs: a difference in physical appearance (dirty clothes, personal odors, etc.), change in mental and emotional state (confused, isolated, lost, etc.), physical changes (weight loss or gain, weakened hearing, eyesight, or mobility, etc.) and worsened living conditions (neglected pets, strong household odors, etc.).

All referrals to the Gatekeeper program are confidential, but callers are asked to identify the senior’s name and phone number, a brief description of the problem, and their name and contact information in case any additional information is needed. If you would like to submit a referral please call 860-347-5661 or visit http://stlukescommunityservices.org/gatekeeper.

After a referral is received, a social worker will follow up with the elder referred. The individual is then contacted by phone or by a letter offering services. Usually, up to 3 attempts are made to reach the individual. If services are accepted a social worker will do an in-home assessment to identify areas where the client might benefit from available services. Fortunately, there are several community services throughout Middlesex County for seniors that the Gatekeepers program can connect them to.

This past year, St. Luke’s Gatekeeper program hosted their second annual Gatekeeper Conference in Middletown, which brought together over 100 mental health and aging services professionals and advocates.

The conference featured various workshops focused on community program development and the mental and behavioral health needs of older adults.

St. Luke’s recently introduced their Stop Ageism Now campaign, which targets the ageism barrier that exists throughout the US. Ageism is the discrimination against an individual based on their age. This type of treatment puts unreasonable restrictions on older adults and can impact their job, finances, quality of life, and confidence.

Through community forums, special events, and teaching others about ageism, St. Luke’s hopes to help create a culture where older individuals are celebrated, and the acceptance that aging is a natural part of life and not a problem is restored.

We look forward to continuing to report out to you all the wonderful programs we support.

If you would like to find out more information about St. Luke’s Gatekeeper Program, please visit stlukescommunityservices.org/gatekeeper or call 860-3475661.

If you would like to find out more information about Middlesex United Ways other funded programs, please visit us at www.middlesexunitedway. org/our-work