Publications for CCRCs

We are pleased to present you with a complimentary copy of the 2026 CCRC Standards Manual and the 2026 CCRC Survey Preparation Workbook. Use the button to access and download an electronic version of these publications.
To request a printed copy of these documents, please send an email to as@carf.org.

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Changes to the 2026 standards

Regular updates to CARF standards are intended to enhance relevancy and clarity. Following are highlights of the changes for 2026. The changes are highlighted in more detail on pages 25–26 of the 2026 CCRC Standards Manual.

Section 1. A.S.P.I.R.E. to Excellence changes:

In the A.S.P.I.R.E. to Excellence (business practice) standards, standards previously under subsection 1.J. Technology have been incorporated into other subsections of ASPIRE or have been eliminated. Subsequent subsections have been relettered. Changes in 1.A. Leadership, 1.C. Strategic Planning, 1.D. Input from Persons Served and Other Stakeholders, 1.G. Risk Management, 1.I. Workforce Development and Management, 1.J. Rights of Persons Served (previously subsection 1.K.), 1.K. Accessibility (previously subsection 1.L.), and 1.M. Performance Improvement (previously subsection 1.N.) are highlighted on pages 25–26 of the 2026 CCRC Standards Manual.

Section 2. Care Process for the Persons Served changes:

  • Standard 2.D.1. regarding written procedures to address skin integrity and wound care, element c. on the definition of what constitutes a wound was deleted.
  • The stem of Standard 2.D.2. (previously 2.D.6.) was slightly modified for clarity, and element c. on education of other healthcare providers was deleted.
  • The stem of Standard 2.D.3. (previously 2.D.2.) was also modified for clarity, and element b. on referral to or coordination with appropriate healthcare professionals for skin integrity assessment is new.
  • Standard 2.D.8. is revised to address service delivery indicators to measure performance related to skin integrity. Element c.(5)(d) on the necessary education and training of other stakeholders is new.
  • Standard 2.E.17, which addresses recognizing the signs of aging-related decline or dementia and supporting the needs of the persons served, has been revised for clarity and consistency.

Section 3. Program Standards changes:

  • 3.B. Assisted Living – In Standard 3.B.10., previous element b.(6) has been deleted as training for personnel on performance measurement and management is covered in Section 1.L.
  • 3.D. Home and Community Services – Based on feedback from the field, the description and standards in this section have been updated.

Which sections of the 2026 standards manual apply to CCRCs?

All organizations are expected to conform to the current standards, policies, and procedures. We encourage organizations to review the changes to standards annually and update their policies and practices accordingly. These efforts ensure your organization is aligned with the latest and most current international standards even if you are not having a survey conducted between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

When does this manual go into effect?

  • This manual is used for all on-site surveys (originals and resurveys) occurring between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
  • If your organization is accredited but will not have a survey conducted between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, your organization should still conform to current standards, policies, and procedures. To remain current, please thoroughly review the manual.

Resources and education

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2025 Financial Ratios & Trends Analysis of CARF-accredited CCRCs

This publication provides key financial ratio data that have been used as benchmark data for the CCRC field.

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Customer Connect

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Education and training

See the training calendar for details about our training opportunities and educational webinars.

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Additional information

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Continuing Communication newsletter

Read recent issues of the Aging Services Continuing Communication newsletter.

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CARF Connection Blog

Learn about current trends, improving services, and the latest CARF news.

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Promising Practices

Read articles that spotlight innovative provider practices.

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No matter where you are in your accreditation journey, we are here to answer your questions and provide assistance.

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