According to a recent report by the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, research indicates that changes in social isolation and persistent loneliness among individuals over the age of 70 significantly contribute to cognitive decline. The article, published as part of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, notes that women who feel lonely have a 40 percent higher risk of developing dementia, and persistent loneliness over time further increases this risk. Whereas men facing social isolation are 43 percent more likely to experience cognitive decline. Given these alarming statistics, addressing loneliness and social isolation must be a priority in dementia care and prevention.
In 2025, it is estimated that around 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This number is projected to continue rising as the population ages, reaching approximately 13 million by 2050. Because our population continues to age and the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to continuously increase, the need for quality, evidence-based dementia care, in all senior care settings, has never been more important.
Purple Flag Excellence in Dementia Care™ was founded to create the highest standard quality of care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Senior care providers seeking Purple Flag accreditation must demonstrate adoption and adherence to the 10 best practices as outlined by dementia care experts and the 2018 Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. This rigorous accreditation process ensures health care providers flying the prestigious Purple Flag administer the highest level of care for individuals living with dementia. Purple Flag accredits providers across a myriad of settings including assisted living, memory care, hospice and home health care.
Purple Flag’s structured framework ensures the highest standards in dementia care while promoting social engagement, community support, and individualized care. These standards can significantly reduce the risks associated with social isolation and loneliness for those over 70. These methods also ensure the care provided meets the nutritional, social and emotional needs of the individual. Purple Flag also promotes self-awareness and a cultivated environment of dignity and respect.
The Purple Flag program’s commitment to providing compassionate, individualized care, which includes family interaction and education, promotes environments that encourage meaningful social interactions and a sense of connection. Our accredited communities spent time and effort to develop the knowledge and resources necessary to elevate quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Each Purple Flag memory care and assisted living community creates structured activities designed to engage residents in group settings, but they also work with the residents individually. These activities stimulate cognitive function and enhance emotional well-being.
Caregivers trained under Purple Flag standards focus on building deep and meaningful relationships with residents, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and supported. This connection helps alleviate feelings of isolation. Using person-centered care approaches, they learn about each resident’s history, preferences and interests. This understanding enables them to engage residents in meaningful conversations and activities tailored to their unique needs, helping to combat feelings of loneliness.
Purple Flag accredited care providers also highlight the significance of strong family involvement. Families are encouraged to participate in care planning, visits and social events, which enhances emotional connections and provides additional social support. This collaborative approach ensures residents receive consistent companionship and care, minimizing memory care risks.
The Purple Flag best practices adhered to by Purple Flag accredited providers improve the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. These care practices can help combat and mitigate the factors research has identified as contributing to the development of dementia.
Home » Blog Archive » Purple Flag Excellence in Dementia Care Provides a Solution to Social Isolation and Cognitive Decline
Purple Flag Excellence in Dementia Care Provides a Solution to Social Isolation and Cognitive Decline
According to a recent report by the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, research indicates that changes in social isolation and persistent loneliness among individuals over the age of 70 significantly contribute to cognitive decline. The article, published as part of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, notes that women who feel lonely have a 40 percent higher risk of developing dementia, and persistent loneliness over time further increases this risk. Whereas men facing social isolation are 43 percent more likely to experience cognitive decline. Given these alarming statistics, addressing loneliness and social isolation must be a priority in dementia care and prevention.
In 2025, it is estimated that around 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This number is projected to continue rising as the population ages, reaching approximately 13 million by 2050. Because our population continues to age and the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to continuously increase, the need for quality, evidence-based dementia care, in all senior care settings, has never been more important.
Purple Flag Excellence in Dementia Care™ was founded to create the highest standard quality of care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Senior care providers seeking Purple Flag accreditation must demonstrate adoption and adherence to the 10 best practices as outlined by dementia care experts and the 2018 Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. This rigorous accreditation process ensures health care providers flying the prestigious Purple Flag administer the highest level of care for individuals living with dementia. Purple Flag accredits providers across a myriad of settings including assisted living, memory care, hospice and home health care.
Purple Flag’s structured framework ensures the highest standards in dementia care while promoting social engagement, community support, and individualized care. These standards can significantly reduce the risks associated with social isolation and loneliness for those over 70. These methods also ensure the care provided meets the nutritional, social and emotional needs of the individual. Purple Flag also promotes self-awareness and a cultivated environment of dignity and respect.
The Purple Flag program’s commitment to providing compassionate, individualized care, which includes family interaction and education, promotes environments that encourage meaningful social interactions and a sense of connection. Our accredited communities spent time and effort to develop the knowledge and resources necessary to elevate quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Each Purple Flag memory care and assisted living community creates structured activities designed to engage residents in group settings, but they also work with the residents individually. These activities stimulate cognitive function and enhance emotional well-being.
Caregivers trained under Purple Flag standards focus on building deep and meaningful relationships with residents, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and supported. This connection helps alleviate feelings of isolation. Using person-centered care approaches, they learn about each resident’s history, preferences and interests. This understanding enables them to engage residents in meaningful conversations and activities tailored to their unique needs, helping to combat feelings of loneliness.
Purple Flag accredited care providers also highlight the significance of strong family involvement. Families are encouraged to participate in care planning, visits and social events, which enhances emotional connections and provides additional social support. This collaborative approach ensures residents receive consistent companionship and care, minimizing memory care risks.
The Purple Flag best practices adhered to by Purple Flag accredited providers improve the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. These care practices can help combat and mitigate the factors research has identified as contributing to the development of dementia.