The state of Illinois is launching a public awareness campaign.
It’s called the Silver Search program. It will train law enforcement officers on how to respond if an individual with dementia goes missing.
This program is especially important to Julie Seaver, who unfortunately had to go through this experience.
“An old family friend had seen my dad walking,” says Seaver. “And she happened to stop, and thank god that happened because he could’ve been hit by a car.”
Seaver says this program will not only help those diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, but it’s also a way to support the caregivers.
“There’s no life balance,” says Seaver. “It’s not you get up in the morning and you go to bed at night. It’s a 36-hour day. You cannot do it by yourself. This is something you have to have help. And there are agencies out there that can help.”
Through this program, agencies will learn several skills from knowing the warning signs to learning how to activate a search. But most importantly, it will educate the public on how to respond in those situations.
“It’s a wonderful program,” says Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell. “Obviously we were happy when this initiative came through because, at the end of the day, we’re in the business to help people and save lives.”
For more information regarding the Silver Search program, go to www.silversearchillinois.org
