DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) — The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Door County has launched the Purple Tube Project in an effort to create a more dementia-friendly community.
This project is in collaboration between the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Door County, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and the 911 communication center.
“As the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias grows, so does the need for positive emergency interventions,” said Jenny Fitzgerald, Director of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Door County.
The Door County Purple Tube Project assists families coping with dementia to complete the First Responders Tool Plan; which includes information such as emergency contacts, brief medical history, powers of attorney for healthcare, and ways to best interact with the person who has dementia.
These forms are then digitally uploaded into Door County’s emergency management system. Individuals will keep the hard-copies of their forms in their purple tube.
“If any of the officers, EMS, Fire, get a call at one of these addresses, it will be flagged ‘purple tube’ and they will know that they have paperwork there,” said Fitzgerald. “They will also be able to see all of the information before they even get to the home.”
Anybody who has a purple tube is asked to keep it inside their refrigerator.
The purple tubes are available to Door County residents at no charge.
The Aging and Disability Resource Center in Sturgeon Bay will be hosting the first Purple Tube clinics, where individuals can come and fill out the First Responders Tool form with a staff member, on:
- Monday, November 6 from 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm or
- Thursday, November 16 from 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm
Those participating in the clinics will want to bring a copy of the individuals healthcare power of attorney, emergency contact information, and a photo of the individual.
Other clinics for Southern and Northern Door will be offered in December.
Individuals who are unable to attend a clinic can call 920-746-2372 for more information or to make an appointment to be part of the Purple Tube Project.
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