Joint Commission to certify nursing home memory care

The Joint Commission’s nursing care center accreditation program will begin offering a new memory care certification in July to recognize organizations that provide memory care services for those with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Developed with feedback from the Alzheimer’s Association and others, the program builds on new accreditation requirements addressing memory care services that also take effect in July for all nursing homes that are accredited or are seeking accreditation.

To achieve memory care certification, nursing homes must comply with accreditation and certification requirements and meet strict criteria:

• Specialized care and service programming centered on individuals’ unique needs, preferences, abilities and interests. Care and programming must be led by a qualified individual experienced and trained in the care of those with dementia.
• Advanced staff training and demonstrated competence in current best practices in dementia care.
• Engaging mealtime, social and recreational experiences– including families and opportunities for intergenerational activities—designed for those with dementia.
• Provision of a safe, functional environment that minimizes noises and confusing visual stimuli for those with dementia.
• An organizational learning culture, demonstrated by nursing home participation in activities sponsored by a national organization relating to dementia care.
• Availability of support groups for family members of those with dementia.

The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 20,500 healthcare organizations and programs in the United States. Nursing homes wishing to pursue memory care certification can elect this option within the electronic application in early July, with surveys beginning then, too. For more information, email ncc@jointcommission.org or call (630) 792-5020.

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