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The Gatekeeper Program is designed to identify and assist vulnerable older people who need help but may be unable to get it for themselves. Because our employees at SECO come in constant contact with the public, they're often able to notice problems others may not see... and offer a helping hand. SECO employees are trained to observe unusual circumstances -- newspapers piled up in the yard, a change in appearance, or behavior, signs of confusion or disability. With the member's permission, these employees can help "open the gates" to get the member needed assistance before a crisis occurs.
SECO provides the Gatekeeper Program as a service to the community. Our employees have undergone training to spot potential crisis before they occur. We are called "Gatekeepers" because we "open the gates" between isolated elderly people and sources of assistance. We do not wish to rob people of their pride -- on the contrary -- we wish to uphold the dignity, independence and quality of life that our senior citizens deserve. For example, when we see the elderly in need of assistance it's easy to get frustrated trying to figure out what we can do to get them the help they need. This program provides an opportunity to identify those who may need assistance. Employees don't spend extra time looking for problems, but make these observations while performing their normal duties. Once a problem is identified, a contact is made and a trained professional visits the member to assess the situation. The person is then connected with the appropriate social and health services. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, contact us to make a Gatekeeper referral and let us know about the situation. We will refer you to an agency that can provide social and health services, personal care, chore services, food and transportation. The Gatekeeper Program is a nationally recognized program being used by many utilities across the country. Page last updated: Thursday, February 28, 2008 |
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When our seniors need a little help
Each year, Florida's population of older citizens grows. In fact, people over 85 make up the fastest growing segment of our population. Most of them are healthy, active people but many others are not so fortunate. They may live alone and have little contact with others. If they become ill or unable to function independently, they can easily go unnoticed and unattended.