The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International has announced that Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury (SVWC) has been issued CARF accreditation for the sixth consecutive time, based on its recent survey. In addition, and new this year, SVWC was awarded Dementia Care Specialty Program accreditation for its 12-bed memory care center.
Founded in 1966, CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services that recognizes exemplary performance among retirement communities across the country. “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of the persons served.” wrote CARF President/CEO Brian Boon, Ph.D. An organization receiving a Five-Year Term of Accreditation has voluntarily put itself through a rigorous peer-review process and demonstrated to a team of CARF surveyors during an on-site survey that it is committed to conforming to CARF’s accreditation conditions and standards. Furthermore, an organization that earns CARF accreditation is commended on its quest for quality programs and services.
SVWC has worked toward the Dementia Care Specialty Program for five years using the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) developed by leading dementia advocate and expert Teepa Snow. PAC provides education, support, and training to improve the world of dementia care, one mind at a time, through a relationship-first approach. Care partners learn to use their talents and abilities to develop awareness, knowledge, and skill with all people, transforming what exists into a more positive dementia care culture.
“Industrywide, this is the seal of excellence for a retirement community,” explains Jeannie Shiley, the President, and CEO of SVWC. “We’re so proud to have earned this recognition once again. I attribute the accreditation to extremely dedicated employees who are passionate about their work and an incredible group of residents involved in the community, working together to make it even better.” For more information about the accreditation process, please visit the CARF website at www.carf.org.
