Accreditation
Throughout the United States, hospitals, libraries, universities, retirement communities, and other institutions, have created processes for getting a stamp of “accreditation.” The stamp of accreditation is a statement given by an organization of peers in an effort to ensure high standards in their internal practices, and to protect the well-being of the constituents being served.
In the case of a retirement community, accreditation is granted by CARF-CCAC (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities/Continuing Care Accreditation Commission) and indicates that the community is not only abiding by government laws and regulations, but is also living up to its own mission, and meets additional standards defined by the Commission.
Obtaining accreditation is a rigorous but important process – one in which Carolina Meadows has participated in since 1992 when we submitted our first application. Carolina Meadows has successfully renewed its accreditation every five years since. It is a process that can be rewarding, revealing and productive. To the outside world it indicates a community with a standard of excellence.
How does the process work?
The first stage of the accreditation process requires Carolina Meadows to perform a full internal review to ensure that, as a community, what we do what we say – whether it’s to residents, their families, potential residents or our very own staff. Then we review and document all of our policies and practices, including an on-going self-assessment plan.
The second stage involves CARF’s appointing an outside committee composed of administrators from similar retirement communities. This committee performs a two-to-three day site visit, evaluating whether or not Carolina Meadows meets CARF standards. The committee then submits its report to CARF, which makes the final decision as to whether or not accredit Carolina Meadows.
Our President/CEO, Kevin McLeod, currently serves as an administrative and financial surveyor for CARF-CCAC doing site visits in other retirement communities throughout the United States.
