Two years after his father disappeared, Sam Noh is still looking for closure. Today he joined friends and family for the Second Annual Walk for Shin, a charity event created to urge the B.C. government to introduce a special Silver Alert system to help find missing citizens suffering from dementia.
Sam’s father Shin Noh was last seen on Sept. 18, 2013 near his home in Coquitlam when he went on his morning walk.
“It’s still absolutely devastating,” said Noh.
“He’s still missing, and it’s difficult to understand what happened to him, and it’s difficult to grieve because we want closure.”
Despite numerous sightings, his family is still looking for answers. They think a Silver Alert system may have helped in their search for their father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
“We don’t have a Silver Alert right now,” said Noh. “Many Alzheimer’s patients wander – six out of 10 wander. We want to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and to mention that wandering is still a growing problem.”
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Noh helped create an online social media tool to spread the word. Those interested in signing up can visit bcsilveralert.ca.
Noh said the government has chosen not to support the Silver Alert, but he hopes that will change.
“Time is of the essence the moment an Alzheimer’s patient walks out the door,” he said.
But he hasn’t managed to convince them so far.
“The ministry is looking to implement a provincial strategy to address wandering by seniors,” said Health Minister Terry Lake in a statement.
“My ministry is working with the justice ministry to provide police with resource information about dementia and wandering behaviour.”
The government appointed Isobel Mackenzie as B.C.’s first Seniors Advocate last year – but she too is not convinced on the virtue of a Silver Alert.
“The evidence to support the effectiveness of Silver Alert programs is not as strong as the evidence on the effectiveness of more targeted approaches,” she wrote.
“Some of these safeguards include issuing seniors who suffer from dementia with GPS devices they can wear…other safeguards include sensors in the home.”
Still, the family feels it’s their responsibility to continue advocating.
“Wandering is not going away. Neither is Alzheimer’s, and neither am I,” said Noh.
WATCH: Last year’s Walk for Shin Noh
-With files from Jennifer Palma
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