Wiser Worker Blog

Have you heard of this program?  I have driving down the Florida express way was the first time I heard of such a program and it seems that they are trying to make it nationwide not just state to state. In case you DON’T know what the Silver Alert program stands: developed to provide vital information to authorities to assist in the search and safe recovery of these individuals, and quickly reunite them with their loved ones and/or caregivers; primarily in cases of missing Alzheimer suffers. The premise is not much different than the amber alert as a matter of fact it’s modeled after this program.  

Similar to the Amber Alert, a Silver Alert is an emergency notification system that broadcasts regional or statewide alerts for missing seniors and/or other adults with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive disorders. A growing number of states are enacting laws that call for the development of the Silver Alert program and some have implemented their own notification systems. Activation criteria varies from state to state, see list below for information on the Silver Alert program in your state.

Quick Facts

• Approximately 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia among older people.
• Seniors are more vulnerable to crimes such as purse snatching, mugging and fraud.
• People age 80 and over, especially women, are at the greatest risk of experiencing elder abuse.
• 10 percent of consumers who reported that they were victims of identity theft are age 60 and older.
• About 52 percent of identity theft victims over 60 years of age reported that either new credit card accounts were opened in their name or that someone took over an existing account.
• Seniors, the largest consumers of medication, are at the highest risk for medication errors.