Armbrook Village, an assisted living and memory support community located in Westfield, held a flag-raising ceremony today to celebrate becoming the first in Western Massachusetts to receive the Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ accreditation.
Purple Flag 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, Armbrook Village had to demonstrate adherence to 60 best practice standards and training outlined by Purple Flag for services provided to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.
The flag-raising event provided an opportunity for the community’s associates, residents, family members and local eldercare professionals to celebrate the milestone achievement.
“It’s an honor to be the first community in Western Mass to receive the Purple Flag accreditation,” shared Julie Waniewski, Executive Director at Armbrook Village. “I don’t have to tell everyone here that Armbrook loves being a trailblazer in this area — from our history-making Dementia Friendly initiative, to the LGBTQ Cultural Competency training program we adopted — we don’t like to sit still for very long! I know Armbrook also has a reputation as a trendsetter, and with this in mind, I truly hope other assisted living communities in our area are encouraged to go through this process with Purple Flag.”
“Congratulations to Armbook Village for receiving the Purple Flag accreditation for your exceptional services to those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia related diseases,” shared Massachusetts State Senator John Velis. “Accreditations, such as the Purple Flag, recognize the extensive work to create thoughtful programing and educate staff about memory loss conditions. Not only will this accreditation improve the lives of each person who enters through Armbrook’s doors with a dementia related disease but, it will also bring comfort to their families knowing that their loved one is receiving the highest standard of care.”
“We’re honored to induct Armbrook Village as the 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 Armbrook Village may be assured knowing that this Senior Living Residences community has achieved this very important milestone.”