Publications for CCRCs

We are pleased to present you with a complimentary copy of the 2025 CCRC Standards Manual and the 2025 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.

Changes to the 2025 standards

Regular updates to CARF standards are intended to enhance relevancy and clarity. Following are highlights of the changes for 2025. The changes are highlighted in more detail on pages 23–24 of the 2025 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 changes in 1.F. Financial Planning and Management, 1.H. Health and Safety, and 1.L. Accessibility are highlighted on pages 23–24 of the 2025 CCRC Standards Manual.

Section 2. Care Process for the Persons Served changes:

  • Standard 2.A.8. written procedures regarding holding funds for the person served for their personal use is new.
  • Elements f. and g. in Standard 2.A.40. on services for persons who require respiratory management have been revised for clarity.
  • In Standard 2.A.47., which focuses on leadership fostering a continuous learning environment, element d. implementation of innovative ideas and practices is new.
  • Under Skin Integrity and Wound Care, Standard 2.D.8., element a. has been revised for clarity. Element b. on establishing performance targets is new and subsequent elements have been renumbered.
  • Previous Standard 2.F.8. regarding the scope of service delivery using information and communication technologies has been deleted from this section and incorporated into Standard 2.A.1.

Section 4. Specialty Program Designation changes:

  • A new Specialty Program Designation has been developed in collaboration with the field, 4.B. The Palliative and End-of-Life Care Specialty Program description and standards can be found on pages 237–244 of the manual. An article announcing the new specialty program was also included in the Continuing Communications newsletter, Volume 17, Issue 2 (December 2024).
  • Beginning with the 2025 standards manual, Continuing Care Retirement/Life Plan Communities may now seek to apply 4.A. Dementia Care Specialty Standards to the entire continuum. Previously specialty program designation was only available to a CCRC/LPC if it also sought accreditation for the assisted living and/or nursing center parts of the continuum. This approach encourages organizations to look at memory care holistically and throughout the continuum.

Which sections of the 2025 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, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

When does this manual go into effect?

  • This manual is used for all on-site surveys (originals and resurveys) occurring between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
  • If your organization is accredited but will not have a survey conducted between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, 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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2024 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

Our secure online portal for managing the accreditation process. Login or request an account.

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Education and training

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

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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We’re here to help!

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