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Eligibility
The services of Senior Information and Assistance are
available at no cost to the public although donations are gladly
accepted.
However, many of the
community resources we link people with do have specific age,
income, asset or other eligibility criteria. Some are available at
no cost; others have set fees or charge according to a person’s
ability to pay. Contact Senior I&A for current information on
program eligibility and or cost.
Gatekeeper Program
Who are Community Gatekeepers?
Gatekeepers are employees of corporations, businesses and other organizations who,
in the course of their daily work activities, come into contact with older adults
in the community. Examples of Gatekeepers may include: postal workers, utility meter
readers, police officers, firefighters, senior and recreation center personnel and
bank tellers to name a few. Gatekeepers are trained on site and educated to recognize
signs and symptoms that may indicate an elderly person is in need of help.
Role of Gatekeepers:
The role of Gatekeepers is to recognize signs and symptoms that may indicate that an elderly
person is in need of assistance and to refer that person to the Gatekeeper Program.
Gatekeepers are not expected to assume the role of social workers or counselors.
All that is requested of Gatekeepers is to keep a watchful eye while conducting daily work
activities and make a simple referral for those people in need.
The goal of the Gatekeeper Program
is to systematically locate and identify at-risk elders 60 years and older,
particularly those who are isolated, living alone and in need of some type of
assistance to maintain their independence. The role of people acting as Gatekeepers is
critical to the success of our mission as it organizes the fabric of our communities to
identify senior citizens who need help the most.
Signs of an Elder at Risk:
The most common indicators are listed below. Gatekeepers could directly observe any one factor or combination of the following:
- Unkempt appearance
- Strong odors on person and/or in home
- Depression, confusion, forgetfulness
- Substance abuse
- Caregiver stress
- Financial and social problems
- Physical losses
- Yard and/or pets neglected
- Home needs repair
These individuals do not self-refer. Early identification of at-risk elders can
prevent premature institutionalization, abuse and neglect.
What information do Gatekeepers report?
Whenever possible, Gatekeepers are asked to provide the following information when
they call Senior Information and Assistance:
- Elder’s name and phone number
- Age, if known
- Address or directions to Elder’s residence or whereabouts
- A brief description of concerns
- Gatekeeper’s name, telephone number and address
How the Gatekeeper Program Works:
The role of the gatekeeper ends here. They have provided an important first step:
identifying the vulnerable adult and referring them to Senior I&A. At this point,
trained, professional Senior I&A Advocates step in to establish contact with the
senior and assess the severity of the situation.
After contacting the senior and
discussing their situation, the Advocate refers the client to the appropriate
community services, including case management, mental health services,
personal care, chore services and transportation. If the older adult refuses
intervention, the Senior I&A Advocate must determine whether or not they are
sufficiently at risk to warrant referral to Adult Protective Services or a Mental
Health Professional. In some cases, Advocates agree to continue monitoring the
client’s progress, and will not refer for services until the older adult is ready.
Advocates do not terminate contact until they are sure that the older adult is
safe and getting the assistance that they need. Senior I&A Advocates follow up with
the gatekeeper to let them know that the situation is being handled.
Benefits of Being a Gatekeeper:
We all have an obligation to help those most in need. Forcing assistance is not
our goal, but the elderly deserve to be informed of alternatives and options that
will preserve their independence and enhance their quality of life.
Serving as a
Gatekeeper is an excellent way to establish good public relations. In addition,
taking part in at cooperative effort to maintain the dignity and independence of
at-risk elders can be a personally rewarding and satisfying experience.
Gatekeeper Training:
Have you encountered an elderly person in the course of your business that needs
help; yet, you don’t know where to turn? The Gatekeeper Program, administered by
Senior Information and Assistance (I&A), can train you and your employees to:
- Recognize warning signs that an elderly person 60+ may be in need of help.
- Refer those in need to Senior I&A for help.
For an on-site training at your agency or company, call 206-448-3110, 1-888-435-3377 or email info@seniorservices.org.
Gatekeeper training is conducted by professional staff members of Senior I&A. The Senior Information and Assistance Gatekeeper program has been helping vulnerable
older adults since it began in 1983.
Community Resources Database
Senior Information and Assistance
maintains a database of community based resources ranging from
recreational activities to legal resources and transportation
resources. Log on and search for resources available to seniors in the Seattle and
King County areas.
Adult Family Home Screening Tool
Senior Information and Assistance
maintains a database of the Department of Social and Health Services licensed Adult Family Homes.
Click here and begin your search for Adult Family Homes available in the Seattle and
King County areas.
Directories and Consumer Information
Advocates at Senior
Information and Assistance have current information on over 7,000
community services. Senior Information and Assistance maintains a
wide variety of consumer directories and resource lists. Each
directory is designed for clarity and readability, and includes
detailed resource information for senior citizens in the
Seattle/King County area. Click on the
Directories link to
download and/or request documents.
Benefits Checkup
What Benefits Do You Qualify For?
Senior
Services in partnership with the National Council on Aging brings you an
exciting and free new product that will assist you in determining what benefits
you or a loved one may qualify for. By filling a confidential, anonymous survey
you can find out what programs you or a loved one may qualify for at a reduced
price or for free. If you would like to do this yourself, simply click on the
attached link and follow the directions.
Click here
to continue with BenefitsCheckUp.
If you would like assistance with the form,
or would like us to fill it out for you, please call us toll free at
1-888-435-3377.
Resource Overview in Languages other than
English
Below you will find
flyers and an overview of the types of community services available
to seniors and their caregivers in a variety of languages.
| You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files.
You can get a free copy by clicking on the icon to the
right.
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To view the above documents in English click on the following links.
Overview or
Brochure
Newsletter
Senior Information and Assistance also publishes
I&A Passport (formerly called Access), a monthly newsletter
for seniors and service providers. I&A Passport lists a calendar of events (including
health fairs, conferences and workshops), hospital classes
and support groups, senior center classes and volunteer opportunities.
The newsletter is mailed for free, but a $10 donation per
year for postage is requested. To join the I&A Passport mailing list,
e-mail your name, address and phone number to
Info@seniorservices.org and indicate if you prefer to receive the newsletter by
regular mail or e-mail.
| You may also download past issues by clicking on the
appropriate link. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view
these files. You can get a free copy by clicking on the icon
to the right.
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Eileen Murphy
1950 - 2005
The 26 years of
dedication she provided Senior Services helped to guide, shape, mold
and grow Senior Information and Assistance, Senior Outreach, other
quality programs and the agency
itself.
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Senior Information and Assistance
2208 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
8am - 6pm Monday -
Friday
Telephone: (206) 448-3110
1-888-435-3377 (WA only)
(206) 448-5025 (TTY)
E-Mail:
Info@seniorservices.org
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