The Cambridge Homes recently held a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate receiving the Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ accreditation. Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ is a collaboration between the Institute for Senior Living Education (ISLE) and the Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA) but has since expanded outside of CT. Historically only presented to providers with a dedicated memory support neighborhood, Purple Flag has expanded to also recognize traditional assisted living communities, and The Cambridge Homes is the third in the nation to receive their new “Purple Flag for Assisted Living” Accreditation.

To earn this accreditation, The Cambridge Homes showed that their practices aligned with 60 best practice recommendations geared toward caring for individuals with dementia. Purple Flag identified these policies and procedures as integral to making a difference in dementia care. Many residents in a traditional assisted living environment may experience varying degrees of memory loss, and it’s important for providers to be able to support these residents. Several Cambridge Homes residents and local senior care professionals gathered to celebrate this remarkable achievement at a flag-raising ceremony. Notable guests included Cambridge Homes Board of Directors Member Beth Jacobson, Cambridge Homes Corporator Diana Paolito, Brandon Hugh and Rick Feliciano from the Cambridge Fire Department, Senior Living Residences President & CEO Tadd Clelland and Chris Carter, CEO of Purple Flag for Dementia Care.

Denise Simmons, Mayor of Cambridge, reflected on the community’s accomplishment: “The Cambridge Homes — where my mother was lucky enough to spend her final years — is one of our city’s treasures. Their approach to elder care is human-scaled; they focus on individual relationships, fostering community and allowing seniors to live with meaning and dignity. They well-deserve this memory care accreditation. As Mayor, I’m delighted to be able to help celebrate this achievement.” 

Teresa Burns also shared some heartfelt remarks, speaking to her team’s talent and drive. “Here at The Homes, our residents are the heart of our community. Reflecting on the Purple Flag application process gave me a new appreciation for everything our team does to support residents’ quality of life on a very individual basis. I want to express how proud I am of the dedication and compassion you bring to our residents each day.”

“We’re honored to induct The Cambridge Homes as our latest Purple Flag Accredited community,” said Christopher Carter, President of Purple Flag for Dementia Care™. “Current and future residents, families and anyone interested in both the quality of care and quality of life provided here at The Cambridge Homes may be assured knowing that this community has achieved this very important milestone.”