What accreditations should a long-term care facility have?

Look into the accreditation of a long-term care facility. For continuing care communities, find out if they are accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission of the American Association of Homes for the Aging. When choosing a nursing home, find out if they are accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

In Canada, Long term Care Facilities are accredited by the same national association as hospitals are, the Canadian College of Healthcare Accreditation. The process is voluntary but all responsible facilities participate. The accreditation survey, which includes an on-site visit, is very comprehensive. It covers everything from the amount of space allotted to each resident to the menus to the financial management of the facility. The certificate of accreditation must be displayed in the facility, usually in the front lobby so it can be easily seen by the public. There is a cost to the facility to have accreditation done and a lot of work to make sure the results are good. It is an assurance of a certain level of quality of care.