The Gatekeeper Program: proactive identification and case management of at-risk older adults prevents nursing home placement, saving healthcare dollars program evaluation.

The Gatekeeper Program is an innovative community and hospital partnership focused on prevention of premature nursing home placement. Utilizing trained volunteers, who come into contact with older adults through their everyday jobs, the program provides assistance to over 1600 older adults. Positive program outcomes include reducing emergency department (ED) and hospital admissions and a 14 million dollar savings in healthcare costs related to nursing home placement.