For Release: Feb. 8, 2007
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
McDonnell Calls for ‘Senior Alert’ in Virginia
Attorney General Joined in Effort by AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, State Police, Senator Nick Rerras, Delegate Allen Dudley
Richmond - Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell today called for the creation of a “Senior Alert” in Virginia, patterned after the “Amber Alert” that exists for finding missing children. The Attorney General called for this action, which is part of his 2007 “Protecting Virginia’s Future” Legislative Agenda, at a press conference in Richmond. He was joined at this event by State Senator Nick Rerras (R-Norfolk); Delegate Allen Dudley (R-Rocky Mount); Bill Kallio, State Director of AARP Virginia; Carter Harrison of The Alzheimer’s Association; and Lt. Colonel Robert “Bobby” Northern, Deputy Superintendent of the State Police.
“Senior Alert” will assist state and local authorities in locating missing senior adults who suffer from dementia or other cognitive impairments. Passage of this legislation will permit the State Police to develop the “Senior Alert” program; localities and media outlets will then have the option to voluntarily participate. “Senior Alert” will cover seniors who are over age 60 and have defined cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Speaking about the creation of a “Senior Alert” Attorney General McDonnell noted, “Increasingly, Virginians are living longer, and with increased life spans come new issues to address. I know this first-hand, as my 90-year dad is an Alzheimer’s patient. The idea that he could wander away from his home, and there would not be a comprehensive system in place to help authorities locate him, concerns me as a son, and motivates me as Attorney General to act. The implementation of “Senior Alert” will result in saved lives, and this is an important new public safety tool we will provide to Virginia authorities.”
Senator Nick Rerras (R-Norfolk) remarked, “This legislation will greatly help families caring for their senior parent, grandparent or other adult. When a senior adult suffering from dementia gets lost, this system will provide coordinated efforts to help return the senior to their home.”
Delegate Allen Dudley (R-Rocky Mount) added, "I would like to thank the Attorney General, the Alzheimer's Association, the AARP, the Virginia State Police, and many others for the important role they have played in moving this initiative forward. The protection and safety of our senior citizens is a high priority, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this process."
“The Senior Alert bill is an important element in helping protect our vulnerable elderly. AARP Virginia endorses the bill and looks forward to working with Attorney General McDonnell in developing implementation procedures,” emphasized AARP Virginia State Director Bill Kallio.
Carter Harrison, of The Alzheimer’s Association commented, “As Virginia's aging population increases, the instances of "wandering" will increase. The Senior Alert bill will provide law enforcement with a new tool to help locate missing seniors with dementia and return them safely. The Alzheimer's Association appreciates the leadership of General McDonnell on this issue, and we look forward to working with him to implement this program.”
As Virginia’s senior population continues to grow, the issue of seniors with cognitive impairments wandering away from their homes or place of residence has become increasingly more common. Though it was in Maryland, The Washington Post featured a tragic story in the Tuesday edition of the paper regarding the disappearance and death of a senior citizen who suffers from dementia. According to the article: “Annie Mae Anderson, an 81-year-old Silver Spring resident, was found dead in a ravine near her home. Anderson, who police said suffered from occasional dementia, apparently wandered away from the house she shared with her brother in the 600 block of Symphony Woods Drive sometime during the weekend. Police began searching for her Sunday night.” (Washington Post, Tuesday February 6th, 2007)
The “Senior Alert” legislation has passed both the House and Senate is now awaiting further action in the respective chambers. If passed by the General Assembly, and signed into law by the Governor, the legislation would take effect on July 1st of this year.
