Trail Gatekeeper Program: Ethical Considerations and Confidentiality
Ethical Considerations and the Elderly
We believe that all of us have an obligation to help those most in need. Attending to the needs of frail, vulnerable elderly is everyone's responsibility.
Forcing assistance on an older person is not our goal. However, the high-risk elderly in our community deserve to be informed of alternatives and options that will preserve their independence and enhance their quality of life. The Gatekeeper approach does not interfere or violate an older person's right to privacy or right to seek assistance. To the contrary, the role of the Gatekeeper provides the essential link and it accesses at risk elderly to opportunities that were previously non-existent–to people who would otherwise "slip through the crack."
Gatekeeper training and being a good Samaritan offer protection from misguided legal recourse. A Gatekeeper acting in good faith is not going to be held legally responsible for being concerned enough to make a referral.
Confidentiality
Maintaining confidentiality of both the Gatekeeper and the elderly person is extremely important. Confidentiality means that when one person shares and entrusts information with another person, that confidence must be protected.
A Gatekeeper may not want the elderly person to know who referred them. He or she may have concerns that if the referral source is known, it may hamper a business or social relationship with the older person. If a Gatekeeper asks to remain anonymous, that request will be honored.
Maintaining confidentiality of the older person is equally important. Although we feel a responsibility to let a Gatekeeper know that the older person's situation has been evaluated, we cannot provide other information without this person's permission. If there is a need, we will make every effort to get the older person's permission to discuss their situation with you.
