Forestdale Park held a flag-raising ceremony today 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. The program’s standards evaluate an organization’s capacity to provide collaborative care in a safe, functional and respectful environment, ensuring high quality care and overall quality of life for residents. As part of the evaluation process, Forestdale Park had to demonstrate adherence to 60 best practice standards and training outlined by Purple Flag for services provided to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The flag-raising event provided an opportunity for the assisted living and memory support community’s associates, residents, family members and local eldercare professionals to celebrate the milestone achievement. Notable guests included State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Ward 5 City Councilor Ari Taylor, and VOAMASS President Charles Gagnon.
Kate Lipper-Garabedian, who is also the Vice Chair of the Elder Affairs Committee, gave her heartfelt congratulations to Forestdale. “I know how important it is that the continuum of care for our older adults, as they age and want to stay active in the community, be a place that is supportive, engaging, and challenging in all the best ways,” she shared. “I really want to commend Forestdale on this achievement. It is a testament to the incredible workforce who supports these residents.”
Ward 5 City Councilor Ari Taylor shared congratulations from Malden Mayor Christenson’s Office and added: “Our community thrives when every member is taken care of and treated with dignity and humanity from their first days to their last. I have witnessed firsthand the staff of Forestdale Park provide this service to all residents, specifically in memory care…We congratulate you on your dedication to providing high quality care to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
In her remarks, Forestdale Park’s Executive Director, Sarah Starkweather, commended her team on their dedication to the residents. “To each of you, I am incredibly grateful and proud of you,” she shared. “It is your work and commitment to our Right Values that we’re really celebrating today. The only reason families continue to put their trust in us, and professionals choose to work with us, is because you lead each day with compassion, patience and integrity.”
“We’re honored to induct Forestdale Park 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 Forestdale Park may be assured knowing that this community has achieved this very important milestone.”