Memory loss and cognitive decline are some of the scariest parts of aging, but you're far from alone when contending with them. According to National Library of Medicine research, two in every three seniors experience some form of cognitive impairment.
The Silver Alert system is an invaluable tool for helping families whose vulnerable loved ones go missing. Here, we'll discuss the ins and outs of these dementia safety programs and how to keep your family members safe and sound.
If you've ever heard of the Amber Alert system to locate missing children, the Silver Alert is a similar concept. However, instead of locating kids, it aims to bring vulnerable seniors home.
Silver Alerts can't be issued for all older adults in Missouri. They're specifically intended to locate those with cognitive impairments.
Some conditions that may qualify someone for a silver alert include:
This is far from a comprehensive list, but the conditions all must cause significant cognitive issues.
In addition to having a cognitive disability, seniors must also:
If someone who meets these criteria goes missing, Missouri authorities can initiate the Silver Alert protocol.
The first step toward broadcasting a Silver Alert is to make a missing persons report for the senior who has left their home.
During this report, families or caregivers can inform the authorities of cognitive and memory issues that the missing person has. If the individual meets the Silver Alert criteria, law enforcement will initiate the advisory.
In Missouri, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F is responsible for issuing and broadcasting Silver Alerts.
Then, those taking advantage of these dementia safety programs can expect a broadcast on:
Broadcasts are prioritized in areas close to where the missing person was last seen. After all, most seniors who go missing don't intend to go far from home. People with cognitive impairments usually vanish because they are confused or disoriented.
The broadcasts contain information like:
In some cases, the alerts will broadcast additional information that the family wants out there. This may include:
Proliferating this information makes it easier for people to bring the missing senior to safety.
Once the Silver Alert broadcast goes out, the authorities are no longer alone in trying to locate the missing person.
The aim is that those who see or hear the alert will:
This ultimately may lead to the missing senior getting home safely. They create urgency and ensure that people act fast to find the person. Since most missing persons who are found alive are located within 72 hours, Silver Alert programs can be lifesaving.
Silver Alerts are most commonly used in cases of dementia wandering.
This condition happens when a senior becomes confused or disoriented and leaves their living space. They frequently go off in search of food or a bathroom and forget their objective along the way.
This leads to getting lost, which creates even further confusion. The Alzheimer's Association reports that 60% of Americans with dementia will at some point wander.
The best way to prevent cognitive impairment alerts from becoming a necessity is to keep vulnerable seniors safe and secure at home. This is easy when they live in a comfortable and well-appointed memory care community.
In Addington Place of Lee's Summit, Missouri seniors gain access to:
Safety is a top priority for our caregivers, and we're committed to making sure that seniors are both safe and comfortable in their private apartments.
Additionally, our memory care program aims to keep residents as sharp as possible. This specialized living option offers:
When seniors take advantage of these programs, it helps to keep them as sharp as possible. While dementia still will take a toll on residents' lives, quality exercises to build cognitive function may mitigate the risk of dementia wandering and associated confusion.
Understanding the Silver Alert system is important for elderly protection systems. However, it's best to keep older adults in secure living spaces that monitor their whereabouts while promoting well-being.
Addington Place of Lee's Summit prides itself on having accessible, easy-to-navigate amenities. Our secure community has locked doors and 24/7 monitoring to ensure that residents don't wander into dangerous situations.
We're excited to create personalized plans to care for your loved one safely, so contact us to schedule a tour and learn more about our memory care living option!