Today, there are more than 30,00 ALCs in the United States serving more than 800,000 residents. With the growth in recent years, ALCs have been increasingly shifting from a mostly hospitality-based environment to a more healthcare-focused setting by offering services for medication management, skilled nursing, and dementia care. This shift has highlighted the need for national, consensus-based standards and accreditation.
The Joint Commission’s ALC accreditation standards were developed with consideration of scientific evidence and best practices, as well as state regulations and Life Safety Codes. Experts in the field of 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.
“The Joint Commission is pleased to launch a new accreditation program, the first care continuum expansion in more than 20 years”, says Gina Zimmermann, executive director, Nursing Care Center and Assisted Living Community Services, The Joint Commission. “We are excited to offer the Assisted Living Community accreditation program to help organizations provide a safe living environment for their residents. Accreditation is an important marker to help demonstrate organizations’ commitment to providing safe and quality treatment and services”. To learn more about the ALC accreditation program please click the link below. Stay well, stay informed, and stay tuned!