Welch: Law Enforcement Gains New Resources to Find Missing People with Dementia

HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is highlighting the Silver Search statewide missing person coordination system, following legislation that recently went into effect.

“Seniors with dementia can easily become disoriented and lose track of where they are,” Welch said. “Silver Search seeks to bring awareness, education and resources to quickly locate people with Alzheimer’s or dementia that go missing and reunite them with loved ones.”

The 99th General Assembly passed legislation that created the Silver Search Task Force, which included the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois State Police, AARP, Illinois Broadcasters Association, Illinois Department of Transportation and more, which was charged with putting together resources for law enforcement to use when trying to find missing individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Under the legislation, when someone with dementia does go missing, caregivers should immediately notify the police. Law enforcement officials can then issue an Endangered Missing Person Advisory to be displayed on highway signs, billboards and lottery machines providing descriptions to help find the missing individual and ask the public for their help.

“Do not wait to report if and when a senior goes missing, as that will harm the chances of finding that person and reconnecting them with their caregiver or family members,” Welch said. “Silver Search puts us one step closer to ensuring that residents living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia do not lose the care and attention they deserve.”

To learn more about the new Silver Search Program, please visit at www.silversearchillinois.org, or contact Welch’s constituent service office by calling 708-450-1000 or emailing repwelch@emanuelchriswelch.com.