Gatekeeper Alert Programs

Programs operated by organizations such as utility companies, departments of sanitation and local post offices that ask employees who work in residential neighborhoods on a regular basis (reading gas, electric and water meters, collecting refuse or delivering mail) to check on residents who are frail elderly or have disabilities and request an investigation by the appropriate authorities if the individual's normal routines have suddenly changed, e.g., if the person's mail has not been picked up on a regular basis. Also included are police departments and other organizations that conduct regular welfare checks in situations where people have requested the service. Training in what to look for is often provided by organizations in the community that work with older adults and people with disabilities.