Jan 31 2009
Is the “Silver Alert” System a Good Idea?
In Indiana, lawmakers are considering a proposal to implement a “Silver Alert” system to help find missing adults. This would be similar to the “Amber Alert” program for missing children. An article from the Indianapolis Star says there are currently at least 10 other states with similar programs to find missing adults. Some who are against this new legislation fear that extending the program to adults would increase the number of alerts, which could cause people to become desensitized to them.
Anyone with a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s or other dementia causing diseases can understand why an alert system for missing or wandering adults would be helpful. Especially as the baby boomer generation ages, there are likely to be more cases where older adults go missing.
A few weeks ago, one of my coworkers was on his way to the office when he came across an elderly woman who had wandered from her home. It was still dark on a cold, rainy morning when his headlights shown on a little old lady standing by the road in her nightgown. The temperature was in the 40’s and she was shivering in her rain-soaked gown. He got her to his car so she would be dry and he could get her some help. She appeared to be suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and she had difficultly controlling her movements and speaking. She told him she thought someone was trying to break into her house so she was trying to get help. She was not able to tell him her name or where she lived, but she did tell him all about her dog Cocoa. He drove her to the closest town and stopped at the fire department. No one was there, but he saw the local bank was open. Thankfully, one of the ladies that worked inside knew the lady and her family. They were able to reunite the woman with her family so she could get back home. He never did find out if anyone had really tried to break into her house.
This story had a happy ending, but other similar situations end in tragedy. I know that we have been very fortunate that the times that my mom has gotten lost she was eventually able to find her way. But what would happen if the dementia was worse and she never could figure out where she was or how to get home? Would a “Silver Alert” system help us find her? Or would people become so immune to constant alerts that no one would pay any attention to them?
