Continuing Communications Newsletter, Volume 18, Issue 2
In this issue:
- Global lessons in person-centered innovation: insights from the Global Ageing Network Summit
- Celebrating 60 years of excellence: CARF International marks a milestone in quality care
- CARF congratulates accredited CCRCs/LPCs recognized as America’s Best
- Education and training designed to meet your needs
- Congratulations to Aging Services providers earning CARF accreditation
- Check out our team’s 2026 schedule
- Resources
- Aging Services Resource Specialist consultations
Global lessons in person-centered innovation: insights from the Global Ageing Network Summit
As Aging Service providers worldwide face growing demands for quality, sustainability, and innovation, recent events at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting and Global Ageing Network Summit offered a compelling look at how international collaboration is driving transformation in care delivery.
Global Ageing Network Summit: Innovation across borders
Held in Boston, October 31—November 5, 2025, the Global Ageing Network Summit/LeadingAge Annual Meeting brought together over 7,000 professionals from 20+ countries to explore the future of aged care. Key themes included:
- Technology-driven transformation: AI, predictive analytics, and virtual reality are reshaping care delivery and strategic planning.
- Workforce innovation: Creative solutions for recruitment, retention, and leadership development are addressing global staffing challenges.
- Policy advocacy: Attendees were empowered to champion reforms in housing, regulation, and access to care.
- Inclusive leadership: Diverse governance and strategic agility were emphasized as essential for future-ready organizations.
The summit also featured site visits to pioneering U.S. communities like Lasell Village and the Leonard Florence Center for Living, showcasing models that integrate education, wellness, and advanced care technologies.
China’s field-driven approach to person-centered care
During a session titled, International Perspectives: Field-Driven Standards Lead to Person-Centered Innovation, Chinese Aging Services leaders showcased how CARF International’s accreditation standards have catalyzed improvements in both resident experience and organizational outcomes. Presenters from across China—including Xu Zhengjian, Executive Director, Nanjing J-CARE Consulting Co. Ltd.; Shen Yi, General Manager, China Resource Land; He Hongtao, General Manager, Guangzhou Yue Xiu Holdings Limited; Renzheng Xue, Chairman, Guiyang Industrial & Commercial Health & Senior Care; and, Ren Jiewei, Operations Principal, Ping An Insurance Company of China, Ltd.—shared how person-centered practices are being scaled across independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation programs, and other care models unique to China.
Their message was clear: field-driven standards not only elevate care quality but also foster innovation tailored to cultural and systemic contexts. China’s model demonstrates how accreditation can serve as a strategic tool for aligning care with resident needs while enhancing operational performance.
A call to action for Aging Services providers
These international perspectives underscore a powerful truth: person-centered care is not just a philosophy—it’s a global movement. Whether through accreditation, technology, or policy reform, Aging Services providers have the opportunity to lead with compassion, innovation, and strategic foresight.
As Katie Smith Sloan, CEO of LeadingAge, noted, “Real innovation happens when people come together to reimagine what aging can be.” Let’s continue to learn from each other, act boldly, and build systems of care that honor the dignity and potential of every older adult.
Let’s continue to learn from each other, act boldly, and build systems of care that honor the dignity and potential of every older adult.
Celebrating 60 years of excellence: CARF International marks a milestone in quality care
In 2026, CARF International celebrates a remarkable 60 years of advancing quality in health and human services across the globe. Since its founding in 1966, CARF has grown from a pioneering accreditor in rehabilitation services to a global leader in person-centered standards that touch nearly every corner of the care continuum—from aging services and behavioral health to employment, child and youth services, and medical rehabilitation.
A legacy of impact
Over six decades, CARF has accredited thousands of organizations in more than 20 countries, helping providers elevate care quality, improve outcomes, and build cultures of continuous improvement. Its field-driven standards have empowered organizations to innovate while staying grounded in what matters most: the dignity, rights, and goals of the people they serve.
Innovation through accreditation
CARF’s consultative approach to accreditation has become a catalyst for transformation. Whether introducing new standards for palliative and end-of-life care, expanding into shelter programs, or supporting international providers in places like China, CARF continues to evolve with the needs of the field—always with a focus on person-centered excellence.
To mark its 60th year, CARF will highlight and focus on various experiences and events over the years through a blog series. Check out the most recent blog post, November 3, 2025: Impressively long-time organizations weigh in on accreditation.
Looking ahead
As CARF enters its seventh decade, its mission remains clear: to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through accreditation and continuous improvement. With a growing network and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and informed choice, CARF is poised to lead the next generation of care innovation.
Let’s raise a toast to 60 years of impact—and to the future of quality care for all.
CARF congratulates accredited CCRCs/LPCs recognized as America’s Best
Newsweek/Statista have announced the annual list of the top-ranked Continuing Care Retirement/Life Plan Communities (CCRCs/LPCs). The 2026 America’s Best list has been expanded from 300 to the top 330 ranking. Congratulations to the 53 CARF-accredited CCRCs ranked in the America’s Best rating for 2026.
CARF International accreditation continues to factor in accounting for 10% of the total score. Newsweek/Statista used four data sources for the 2026 ranking: National Online Survey (70%), Visitor Satisfaction Score (15%), Accreditation Score (10%), and Google Reviews Score (5%). Communities receive both a national and state ranking.
For more information about the 2026 Newsweek/Statista America’s Best CCRCs ranking, click here.
Education and training designed to meet your needs
CARF International offers educational opportunities focused on standards and survey preparation, enhancing quality, outcomes management, and innovative practices. Education is provided in multiple formats to promote ease of access and participation.
Explore the training calendar for dates/times of events and subscribe to receive news of upcoming events and trainings. Events for the 2026 calendar year will be posted soon.
Live learning opportunities are here.
Curated webinars and courses on the CARF standards are just a click away through CARF’s Enhance Learning platform. Create your own personalized account and explore the course catalog to get started.
On-demand eLearning opportunities are here.
Congratulations to Aging Services providers earning CARF accreditation
The following providers achieved accreditation between July to November 2025.
| Access Independent Living Services | Toronto, Ontario |
| AgeCare Elmira | Elmira, Ontario |
| Allen Gray Continuing Care | Edmonton, Alberta |
| Alzheimer Society of Peel | Mississauga, Ontario |
| Caledon Community Services | Bolton, Ontario |
| Care at Home Services Advancia Solutions | Surrey, British Columbia |
| Carlyle Place, Atrium Health Navicent | Macon, Georgia |
| Chartwell Reit – Eau Claire Retirement Residence | Calgary, Alberta |
| Fairmount Home – Frontenac County | Glenburnie, Ontario |
| Providence Point | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Revera Retirement | Toronto, Ontario |
| Rockwood South Hill | Spokane, Washington |
| Rockwood at Whitworth | Spokane, Washington |
| Royal Terrace | Palmerston, Ontario |
| South Country Village | Medicine Hat, Alberta |
| South Valley Residence | Grande Prairie, Alberta |
| The Dorothy Ley Hospice | Etobicoke, Ontario |
| The Rekai Centres | Toronto, Ontario |
| Vancouver Resources Society for the Physically Disabled | Vancouver, British Columbia |
Check out our team’s 2026 schedule
We are grateful that 2025 has been another great year of visiting with aging services providers! Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to visit with us in an exhibit hall or during one of our education sessions. CARF International Aging Services will be On the Road again in 2026–below are some of the upcoming conferences and events we plan to attend. If you are also attending, please be sure to reach out and connect with us!
American Heart Association (https://professional.heart.org/en/meetings/international-stroke-conference)
International Stroke Conference (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA)
February 4–6, 2026
Terry Carolan, CARF Managing Director, Aging Services & Medical Rehab, exhibiting
Eden Alternative (https://www.edenalt.org/conference2026/)
International Conference (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)
March 9–12, 2026
Terry Carolan, CARF Managing Director, Aging Services & Medical Rehab, exhibiting
Julia Meashey, CARF Senior Business Development Specialist, exhibiting/attending
Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) Convention (https://www.together-we-care.com)
Together We Care (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
March 23–25, 2026
Karen Crichton, Canadian Accreditation Advisor, exhibiting/attending
Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association (ASCHA) Convention (https://ascha.com/events_convention.php)
Home for Housing Convention & Tradeshow (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
April 13–15, 2026
Karen Crichton, Canadian Accreditation Advisor, exhibiting/attending
American Society on Aging (ASA) (https://www.asaging.org/on-aging)
On Aging National Conference (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)
April 20–23, 2026
Julia Meashey, CARF Senior Business Development Specialist, exhibiting/attending
AdvantAge Ontario Conference (https://na.eventscloud.com/website/88371/home/)
Advancing Senior Care (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
April 22–24, 2026
Karen Crichton, Canadian Accreditation Advisor, exhibiting/attending
Long Term Care Association of Manitoba (LTCAM) (https://www.ltcam.mb.ca/conference)
LTCAM Conference (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
May 11–12, 2026
Karen Crichton, Canadian Accreditation Advisor, attending
Penny Gagnon, Chief Advisor, attending
National Council on Aging (NCOA) (https://www.ncoa.org/article/age-action-2026/)
Age+Action Annual Conference (Arlington, Virginia, USA)
May 26–29, 2026
Julia Meashey, CARF Senior Business Development Specialist, exhibiting/attending
BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA) Conference (https://bccare.ca/bccpa-events/annual-conference/)
49th Annual Conference (Whistler, British Columbia, Canada)
May 24–26, 2026
Karen Crichton, Canadian Accreditation Advisor, exhibiting/attending
Penny Gagnon, Chief Advisor, exhibiting/attending
Resources
New Alzheimer’s Association resources for caregivers
In the United States, November is designated National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, honoring the millions of Americans providing unpaid care for loved ones living with dementia. For more information see the 2025 Facts and Figures report.
To support families, the Alzheimer’s Association has introduced three new resources:
- Transitions in Care: An online education program guiding families through decisions about long-term care,
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/transitions. - The Empowered Caregiver: An evidence-based program for middle- and late-stage caregivers to build skills, manage stress, and find community, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/empowered-caregiver.
- My ALZ Journey: A free mobile app offering tailored information and local support for those newly diagnosed and their care partners, https://www.alz.org/myalzjourney.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. The organization provides a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) and local programs to help families navigate challenges and access resources.
Webinar Spotlight: Insights from the 2025 Financial Ratios & Trends for CCRCs
Understanding financial benchmarks is critical for strategic planning in senior living. The recent webinar, Insights from the 2025 Financial Ratios and Trends for Continuing Care Retirement Communities, provided valuable analysis of CARF-accredited CCRCs/Life Plan Communities.
Key takeaways included:
- Current financial trends from 2024 year-end data, including profitability, liquidity, and capital structure ratios.
- Best practices for using ratios to guide budgeting and demonstrating financial stability based on specific benchmarks.
- Strategies utilizing financial ratios for strategic decision making.
The webinar featured experts from Baker Tilly, Ziegler, and Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community, offering practical insights for CEOs, CFOs, boards, and management teams.
Access the full webinar and resources
To access the webinar, click on the link below and then the play button. A form for registration will appear, complete it to continue to the webinar, https://webinars.bakertilly.com/baker-tilly/insights-from-the-2025-financial-ratios-and-trends-for-continuing-care-retirement-communities.
Aging Services Resource Specialist consultations
Need assistance with CARF standard interpretation?
Have questions about the accreditation process?
New to CARF accreditation?
Your resource specialist can assist you with standards interpretation, guide you through all steps of the accreditation process, provide coaching for first-time and resurvey preparation, and answer questions throughout the accreditation term. CARF encourages organizations to contact their resource specialist early in the process.
If you have suggestions for content to be included in a future issue of Continuing Communication, please email CARF Aging Services at AS@carf.org.
Please include the carf.org domain on your safe-senders list to ensure that Continuing Communication and other important emails from CARF Aging Services are not blocked by spam filters.
If a lender is interested in the systems you use to manage risk in your organization, support management competencies, measure outcomes, and foster sound business practices, please direct the lender to this section of the website. The webpage includes language geared toward educating lenders about accreditation for your organization. Lenders may also download the CARF Financial Planning and Management Standards.
