LifeWays Awarded 3-Year Accreditation from CARF
LifeWays has been awarded a 3-year accreditation by CARF (Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities) as a result of the recent survey, which concluded in an onsite interview in January. CARF is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, enhancing the lives of persons served worldwide. The on-site CARF survey utilizes a set of over 1,800 standards to determine if accreditation will be awarded. This accreditation will extend through December 31, 2025.
CARF accreditation is a public seal of trust and commitment to quality based on internationally accepted standards. Achieving this accreditation demonstrates LifeWays’ commitment to exceptional, personalized care.
CARF Highlighted some of LifeWays’ strength areas in their report:
The executive leadership team, management team, direct service personnel, administrative personnel, and board of directors are committed to quality of care for the individuals and families served. This is demonstrated by ongoing quality assurance; a continued focus on vision, mission, and values of the organization; and thinking outside of the box in order to provide comprehensive and innovative services.
LifeWays has developed a standing relationship with local police and provides a clinician that rides along with the police officers 40 hours per week to assist with distress calls that can include mental health needs. These measures potentially ensure the safety of the individual and preserve the integrity of the police force. LifeWays also provides much-needed mental health training to police officers across two counties.
The crisis service programs at LifeWays cover many possible scenarios and show the collaboration with the community and the needs of the individuals served. “Help Begins Here” is front and center through a well-established 24/7 crisis phone line and a Crisis Living Room offering a calm and safe environment that is staffed by peer support specialists. LifeWays utilizes a 23-hour living room for short-term crisis stays. This allows de-escalation through a “cooling off” period for individuals served and a potential prevention for the need of a higher level of care. The newly opened five-bed crisis residential unit allows individuals to stay up to 14 days while receiving services. LifeWays positions itself to offer hope and help for a wide continuum of needs in the community.
Employees and community stakeholders spoke about the valuable community partnership that is evident throughout each county that LifeWays serves. A community stakeholder stated, “It's more than a mental health agency; it's a part of the community.” Individuals spoke about working alongside "superheroes" and how every task is designed to better the programs, offer the best services to individuals served, and offer hope to individuals served.
Interviews with individuals served relayed a passionate satisfaction with services from LifeWays, stating staff members are professional and skilled. One individual served offered, “I just want a good life” and they “make me feel like I count”; they “give me resources.” A parent indicated, “They are so helpful, impeccable, and amazing, amazing, amazing...my case manager is so helpful, she follows through, finds services to help our entire family, and has great communication with us.” Other stakeholder comments included, “My doc is a lifesaver. Nurses, med techs, and all staff are so sweet and are like a family” and “A wonderful program and more people should give Lifeways a chance.” One individual served stated about the crisis residential unit, “I feel safe here. It is a safe place.”
The Integrated Health - Primary Care and Wellness Program at LifeWays strives to build healthy minds and healthy bodies together to improve the overall wellness of individuals served. It ensures the delivery of goal-oriented and individualized supports focusing on improving resiliency, recovery, and self-management of co-occurring conditions for the individuals served. Individuals served expounded on the quality of all medical/medication services and the care shown by all medical staff. It is evident that the nursing and medical support staff members of LifeWays utilize critical thinking skills daily and provide impassioned care for all aspects of the lives of individuals served.