April 28, 2023 —When prospective residents compare Life Plan Communities (formerly known as CCRC’S) they often see the CARF-CCAC accreditation as a “Seal of Approval” and limit their search to these communities committed to providing the best quality of life through the services, amenities and care they offer. The comprehensive accreditation process signals a commitment to operational and service quality. Communities accredited by CARF must demonstrate excellence in all aspects of senior housing administration, resident life, services and care for all areas of the community.
What is CARF?
CARF stands for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. It is also referred to as the CARF-CCAC (Continuing Care Accreditation Commission) The CCAC was acquired by CARF in 2003, and together, it is the only national accreditation provider for CCRCs. It is an international, non-profit accreditor of health and human services, covering aging services, behavioral health, medical rehabilitation, employment and community services. CARF certification requires a service provider to commit to quality improvement, focusing on the unique needs of each person the provider serves, and monitoring the results of those services.
Nationally, only around 10% of LPCs/CCRCs achieve this accreditation, and is a voluntary accreditation that these communities have chosen to attain.
When a community undergoes the CARF certification process, they are committed to provide an environment that is safe, comfortable, well-maintained, person-centered, respectful of cultural and individual preferences, and committed to continually improving their programs. Currently, seven Kendal affiliate communities are CARF accredited. These communities include Kendal at Oberlin, Kendal at Lexington, Kendal on Hudson, Kendal at Hanover, Kendal at Ithaca, Kendal-Crosslands Communities and Collington. Accreditation must be reviewed and updated every five years.
Kendal at Oberlin Most Recent Reaccreditation
The most recently reaccredited community is Kendal at Oberlin which has been accredited since 1997. For Oberlin, the work towards this impressive re-certification began in 2021, engaging numerous staff and residents. In the process, over 1,900 standards were addressed. As a result, the accreditation report indicated full compliance with the standards, which is only achieved in 3% of CARF Surveys. In addition, the report highlighted over 20 areas of strength, with two areas of exemplary conformance, with recognition of the community’s strong financial ratios and efforts in dementia education.
Two members of Oberlin’s leadership team are themselves CARF peer surveyors – Barbara Thomas, CEO and Ann O’Malley, CFO. Barbara shares, “We believe the result is certainly worth the effort that went into it. And to our prospective residents who are considering Kendal at Oberlin for your future plans, we hope this offers assurance that we will always strive towards quality services and ongoing improvement.”
The CARF seal indicates that a life plan community (CCRC) is accredited.
To learn more about CARF Certified communities visit the CARF/CCAC website.