CARF & JCAHO Accreditation: Why Does it Matter?

Searching for a senior living community, whether for yourself or a loved one, requires some research. While a personal visit is a great way to learn about a community, it’s always good to do preliminary research so you have answers to some basic questions. What services are offered? Is the lifestyle right for me? Does the community meet my high standards? What is the community’s reputation for providing quality care?

In your research, you may find communities that are “accredited.” What does that mean, and is it important?  Read on to learn about accreditation and why accredited communities can be an important consideration in your decision-making process.

What is Senior Living Accreditation?

Accreditation is a voluntary process in which independent organizations evaluate and certify senior living communities against stringent quality standards. Providers must meet specific criteria during a thorough on-site evaluation which is performed at the community’s expense. It is a mark of excellence, assuring residents and families that the provider meets or exceeds industry benchmarks for quality care, safety, and service delivery.

Federal and state guidelines do not require licensed senior communities to be accredited. However, accreditation goes above and beyond, showcasing a community’s commitment to delivering high-quality care and service standards. Those who choose an accredited community enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’ve selected a quality organization that takes an extra step to ensure safe and effective services.

Who Does the Accrediting?

Key accrediting bodies in senior care and assisted living include CARF (the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) and The Joint Commission  (formerly the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations – JCAHO).

What is CARF Accreditation?

CARF is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides accreditation services for health and human services providers, including senior living organizations and medical rehabilitation providers. CARF accreditation is voluntary and goes beyond basic state licensure requirements, making it a valuable indicator of an organization’s dedication to quality.

How Are Communities Reviewed?

The CARF accreditation process involves:

• A review of an organization’s services and operations.
• Onsite surveys conducted by teams of independent expert practitioners, not government agencies or regulatory bodies
• Evaluation against a set of over 1500 rigorous, internationally recognized standards

What Does CARF Accreditation Mean to Consumers?

Organizations that meet CARF standards earn accreditation. CARF accreditation has been shown to increase conformance to quality standards by 37% because it drives organizations to:

• Continually assess their programs, policies, and procedures
• Identify opportunities for enhancement
• Implement ongoing improvements aligned with industry best practices

What is Joint Commission Accreditation?

Known for accrediting hospitals and health care organizations, the Joint Commission now accredits assisted living communities through its Assisted Living Community Accreditation Program launched in 2021.

How are Communities Reviewed?

Standards for accreditation consider scientific evidence and best practices, as well as state regulations and Life Safety Codes. Experts in geriatrics, dementia care, rehabilitation, infection control, and senior housing were actively engaged in a collaborative effort to design standards that align with quality care delivery and safe practices. In addition to an extensive internal review of the standards by subject matter experts, feedback and expert guidance were received through learning visits, a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP), a Standards Review Panel/TAP field review, a public field review, and pilot testing.

What Does Joint Commission Accreditation Mean to Consumers?

Achieving Joint Commission Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement in resident care and to providing safe, high-quality care – time after time.

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation from organizations like CARF and The Joint Commission is a trusted seal of quality for senior living communities indicating they have met rigorous standards for quality of care and services. When a community is accredited, it means they’ve met high standards for innovation, care practices, safety, service staff qualifications, and overall performance and are committed to continuously improving. Accredited communities are regularly reviewed to ensure they provide personalized, resident-centered care tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences.

For families, accreditation offers peace of mind. It provides a simple way to compare facilities based on consistent evaluations and confirms that the community follows strong safety protocols and is accountable to residents and families. Choosing an accredited assisted living community means choosing a place dedicated to offering the highest quality of care and transparency. Use our community locator tool to find an accredited community near you.

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.