January 6, 2023 —Kendal at Oberlin is committed to the importance of accreditation. The required focus on self-study, continuous improvement and benchmarking against like organizations, helps us to serve our residents and staff better. It’s like the “Seal of Approval” that assures a commitment to quality. Our community just received confirmation that CARF has approved and renewed our accreditation for another 5-year period.
The work began towards this effort in 2021, and engaged numerous staff and residents. Over 1,900 standards were addressed and numerous “bright spots” were highlighted. Kendal hosted our on-site surveyors in early November. In the exit conference, the surveyors noted very positive results. But the final result came in late December, when Kendal received written confirmation that our accreditation was renewed in three areas. These included Continuing Care Retirement Community, Person-centered Long Term Care Community and Dementia Care Specialty Program.
This was our sixth accreditation survey, with our first in 1997.
Survey Results
The accreditation report identified no recommendations, indicating full compliance with the standards. The accompanying letter noted that this is achieved in only 3% of CARF surveys. The report highlighted over 20 areas of strength. In addition, there were two areas of exemplary conformance, with recognition of our strong financial ratios and our efforts in the area of dementia education.
It was very helpful that two members of our leadership team are themselves CARF peer surveyors – Barbara Thomas, CEO and Ann O’Malley, CFO. 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.
About CARF
CARF is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, enhancing the lives of persons served worldwide. The accreditation process applies internationally recognized standards during a site survey conducted by peer surveyors. Accreditation is an ongoing process that signals to the public that the provider is committed to continuous performance improvement, responsive to feedback and accountable to the community and its other stakeholders.
For more information about Kendal at Oberlin and CARF accreditation, please visit our website.
About Kendal at Oberlin
Kendal is a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and caring nonprofit life plan community serving older adults in northeast Ohio. Located about one mile from Oberlin College and Conservatory, and about a 40 minute drive from downtown Cleveland, Kendal offers a resident-led lifestyle with access to music, art and lifelong learning. We are an affiliate of the Kendal System, offering values-driven services in the Quaker tradition.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Kendal at Oberlin residents, staff and volunteers have the right to feel accepted and included regardless of race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other unique characteristic of one’s person.