Silver Alert
Alzheimer's Association NM Chapter Caregiver Resources:
- Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Education Classes
- Alzheimer's Association Support Group Listings
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
Alzheimer's Foundation of America Resources:
- Website: alzfdn.org
- Toll-Free Helpline: 1-866-232-8484
- Memory Screening Program
What is Silver Alert?
Enacted in 2013, SILVER ALERT is patterned after the Amber Alert, but instead of missing children, this alert informs the public about missing adults over the age of 50, with irreversible cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s or dementia disease.
SILVER ALERT uses television, radio, electronic billboards, social media outlets, and traffic signs to alert the general public about the missing person.
How Does Silver Alert Work?
The SILVER ALERT System works much like an Amber Alert. The at-risk missing person is reported to law enforcement. Responding officers may ask for personal information that indicates the person has dementia or other cognitive impairments. Caregivers will be asked to provide details that will help locate the missing or endangered loved one.
After verification, police inform the state agency tasked with issuing alerts. In many states, including New Mexico, the Department of Public Safety is able to issue alerts. Once issued, the alert is displayed on electronic highway signs as well as broadcast on radio and television as well as various social media outlets. Time is of the essence in these situations.
SILVER ALERT is a valuable way to help ensure loved ones safety before any harm can come to them.
How To Report Someone Missing That Falls Under the Silver Alert Law:
- CONTACT Law Enforcement immediately when it is discovered your loved one is missing.
- INFORM the dispatch officer your missing loved one has dementia/Alzheimer's or a cognitive impairment disability.
- BE PREPARED with a current photo, description information, and vital medical information so that this information can be quickly provided to law enforcement officers.
How To Be Prepared:
The Department of Senior Affairs can help families be prepared by providing a FREE portable USB drive and assist in storing the following information:
- A recent photograph
- Description information
- Important medical information
In the event their loved one, wanders and is missing, caregivers can provide the USB drive to Albuquerque Police Department officers with their loved one’s vital information.
For assistance in preparing your free portable USB drive, call (505) 764-6400 Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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