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Southwest General’s Gatekeeper Program Recognized by the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA)
Hospital receives WRAAA’s Service to Seniors Award
Middleburg Heights, OH (March 29, 2010) – Southwest General’s Gatekeeper program has been awarded the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) Service to Seniors award.
This award recognizes an organization that utilizes a successful, innovative approach to addressing the needs of older adults. In order to receive this recognition, a program must be innovative; improve the quality of life for seniors and/or their families; be replicated; cost effective and efficient; and deserves local, state and/or national recognition.
Southwest General’s Gatekeeper program provides free clinical services to frail elderly in order to keep them independent and safe at home. The program is the first hospital program of its kind in Greater Cleveland and other hospitals and agencies have replicated its model.
The program’s goal is to reach out to older adults in need with the hope of preventing any major crisis. Nurses provide health education and consultation for specific medical conditions. Additionally, the program provides training and education to individuals, groups and organizations within the community who, through the course of their day, may come in contact with older adults needing assistance. Social workers act as a resource that provides supportive services with enrollment in public programs, transportation assistance, meal service and linkages to a variety of other services.
In 2009, there were 264 referrals to the program from community volunteers, physicians, family members and clients, resulting in 187 clients served. Clinical staff, including nurses, social workers and a licensed clinical counselor, made 694 home visits and 1,009 phone calls to assess, provide supportive services and case manage older adults referred to the program.
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