ComfortCare Homes recognized for innovation
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
ComfortCare Homes’ Purple Line Project was named to the Wichita Business Journal’s 2026 Innovation Awards. ComfortCare Homes’ leadership team accepted the award at a luncheon March 5 at Mark Arts.
The awards recognize companies that use innovation to produce real-world impact across the Wichita, Kansas, region. Honorees are chosen through an independent editorial review, with selections based entirely on their merits, achievements and contributions to their organizations and local community.
Over the past 12 years, the Wichita Business Journal has recognized 288 people and organizations. The 2026 awards recognized 33 individuals, companies and organizations in the Wichita area.
ComfortCare Homes was recognized for starting the Purple Line Project, which helps Wichita businesses be more welcoming and accessible to individuals living with dementia and their care partners.
ComfortCare’s CEO Micala Gingrich Gaylord was inspired to develop the Purple Line Project while visiting Japan with her family. Gingrich Gaylord saw firsthand the powerful impact of inclusion and support for elders in Japanese culture.
“When I was in Japan, I saw how elders were part of every part of society, and it made me think about how we could bring that kind of inclusivity to Wichita, especially for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their care partners,” Gingrich Gaylord said.
For individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and their care partners, the challenges of loneliness and social isolation can be profound. As the disease progresses, social situations become more and more difficult to navigate, and many choose to avoid situations that can be uncomfortable.
The idea of creating dementia-friendly places throughout Wichita took root as she spoke with the ComfortCare team and her connections throughout the business community about her experiences in Japan.
Purple Line Project businesses receive dementia training and tips for making business practices more dementia-friendly. Participating locations are listed on the ComfortCare website. Care partners can use this list to plan simple and enjoyable outings with their loved ones.
Participating businesses prominently display a recognizable window sticker and QR code linking to the business directory. ComfortCare Homes is committed to championing these efforts with the Purple Line Project.
As the U.S. population ages, it’s more critical for communities to support their aging members, especially those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Nearly 7 million people in the United States live with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2060, the number of people living with the disease is expected to climb 13.8 million.
ComfortCare Homes has a history of community involvement and innovation in dementia care. The organization helped bring the HomesPlus care model to Kansas. It also worked to develop statewide regulations for the HomesPlus industry.