The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

20 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, August 5, 2010 SENIORS LIFESTYLES Wilma is a happy-go-lucky senior with a lovely smile and a knack for telling stories. However, Wilma has a secret -- she is a hoarder. Seeing her Burlington apartment is the only way you would ever know this secret. Nearly every surface is covered and piled high with books, newspapers and magazines. Clutter is everywhere -- on tables, couches, chairs, kitchen counters and even the floor. Wilma sleeps on the third of her bed not covered with books. "I think I've done it (hoarding) all my life in one form or another," said Wilma, who asked that her real name not be published. Over the years, the mess grew, taking over her apartment, with only narrow pathways allowing her to manoeuvre around her living space. When Wilma's superintendent found out, he threatened to call the health or fire department if something was not done. However, Wilma's neighbour, also a good friend, called various agencies and came upon the Gatekeepers program, offered by Catholic Family Services of Hamilton and funded by Halton Region. The program started in Hamilton in summer 2005, moving into south Halton in 2009. It recently expanded and is now being offered in north Halton. Gatekeepers is geared towards those aged 55 and older. It aims to increase access to support services for vulnerable and at-risk seniors and prevent the need for other expensive services. The current case count in Halton is likely only the tip of the iceberg, according to Judit Zsoldos, team leader for the Seniors Intervention and Support Program at Catholic Family Services of Hamilton. "We're (over) 50 and that's good, but I know there are many other faces out there that need our attention," she said. "According to research, 1 in 2,000 seniors are hoarders." What many people don't realize is that hoarding is often a result of both physical and mental conditions, Zsoldos said. Hoarding is often linked to a mental condition called Diogenes syndrome. It can also be connected to obsessive-compulsive disorder. "People with Diogenes syndrome have extreme personal neglect, extreme domestic neglect, might have excessive hoarding, social withdrawal, refusal of assistance and lack of concern about living conditions," Zsoldos said. The Gatekeepers program works in different ways, depending on the client. An initial meeting is done with the consent of the potential client to determine the course of action. Sometimes all that is needed is a thorough cleanup of the house or apartment. Other times, counselling is also need and arranged through the Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre at St. Joseph's Health- Urge to hoard can plunge a senior's world into chaos care in Hamilton or the Halton Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Program. Staff also works with the clients to ensure personal aspects like pension supplement and access to a family doctor is in order. "Because they don't always open their mail or put their mail in the garbage, they may not be getting all their pension entitlement," Zsoldos said. "...So we don't just clean up, we do an entire assessment to see what else they need." There is no time or funding limitations per client, which makes the program special, according to Megan Tolan, a case manager with the Gatekeepers program in Halton. Tolan has been working with Wilma since last August. She said she has seen a lot of progress in the senior. "One of things Gatekeepers is good at is encouraging me," Wilma said. "I need the moral support because you cannot do it yourself. I get overwhelmed on my own, so the social workers from Gatekeepers are fantastic at saying `We'll do this little bit here' and they help me do it." Besides the loads of clutter removed from her apartment, Wilma said she has also had loads of pressure taken off her shoulders. "I am starting to feel better," she said. "It is stressful having clutter everywhere. This is a wonderful program and it is making a difference. I've still got a long way to go, but I've come a long way." To learn more about the Gatekeepers Program or make a referral, contact Catholic Family Services of Hamilton at 1-905-527-3823, ext. 279 or go online to www.cfshw.com. Referrals can be made by anyone, and should include the name, address and phone number of the senior in need. --By Tina Depko, Metroland Media Group Georgetown Alexander Trenton, DD, F.C.A.D. (A) Creating Confident Smiles Since 1982! DENTURE CLINIC 130 Mill Street East, Acton Full & Partial Dentures Implant Retained Dentures Precision Dentures (BPS® Certified) Same Day Service for Repairs & Relines Dental Lab On Site No Referrals Needed Accredited by: Please call for a tour 8:30 am - 5:00 pm 18 Church Street, Georgetown 905 8772359 "Family Caring. Caring for Life." 222 Mountainview Road North Georgetown, ON L7G 3Rs (905) 877-1800 tel. (905) 873-9083 fax www.mountainviewresidence.com info@mountainviewresidence.com 82 suites SERVICES INCLUDED · Around the Clock Professional Staff · In-house Physiotherapy & Blood tests · Medication Supervision & Treatments · Daily Light & Weekly Full Housekeeping · Personal & Room Laundry · Home-style Meals & Snacks · Full Time Activities Coordinator R.R. 2, Guelph 519-856-4622 www.edenhousecarehome.ca 519-853-0079 Specializing in Alzheimer's Clientele Away A Home e m From Ho MOUNTAINVIEW RESIDENCE AVAILABLE CARE · Respite/Convalescent/Vacation/Trial Stays · Visiting Foot Care Nurse · Hairdressing AMENITIES & SPECIAL FEATURES · 5.66-Acre Park-like Landscaped Property · French Provincial Café · Theatre/Chapel Lounge · Sun Room Lounges · Fire Place Lounge · Tuck Shop · Games & Crafts Room · Internet & Library Lounge · Intimate Family Dining Room · Planned Outings With Transportation · Individually Controlled Heating & Cooling · Spacious Private Suites from 300 to 630 sq ft "TOTALLY SECURED ENVIRONMENT" Fox Run is a country estate located on four scenic acres overlooking the Caledon Hills, and close to the quaint village of Erin, Ontario. Fox Run caters exclusively to individuals in early to mid states of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. We offer a non-institutional alternative for those who can no longer live alone and need around the clock attention. Contact Patricia Kelly (Owner/Administrator) at 519-833-1033 RR2, Erin, Ontario