purple angel program

What is the Purple Angel Program?

The Purple Angel Dementia Friendly program aims to educate the community and local businesses about dementia and how to assist those with the disease.

Do you know someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia? 

Chances are you do. There are an estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. The Purple Angel Dementia Friendly program aims to educate the community and local businesses about dementia and how to assist those with the disease. 

The program helps support the principle that people living with dementia have the right to live a full life and continue to be involved in their communities. The program helps empower those living with the disease by offering awareness training to local businesses. 

The Dementia Friendly Community Coalition supports the program in Marinette County. Businesses and public institutions in the community are eligible to become Dementia Friendly. Employees go through training sessions to learn how to offer hospitality and support to individuals with memory loss, confusion or other dementia-related symptoms. 

Any business can go through the training sessions to become a Purple Angel business. There are a variety of businesses already trained in Marinette County, including restaurants, grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, and community centers.

Its purpose is simple:

• To raise awareness and education of all types of dementias. 

• To show support for those dealing with all types of dementias; both those diagnosed as well as those that care for them. 

• To remove the fear, isolation and stigmas associated with the disease.

• To become a global symbol for dementia that has no language barriers.

• To have the “Global Purple Angel” become as well known and accepted as the “Pink Ribbon” for cancer, allowing people to live with dignity.

• To provide an economical way to work in collaboration. 

Once a business completes the training process, the business receives a purple angel to display in the business’ window to let people know they are dementia friendly. People with dementia and their caregivers can be assured the trained establishments will offer extra assistance if needed.