A New Approach to Memory Care Certification

This certification helps organizations minimize risk and improve care for patients and residents with all levels of cognitive impairment, focusing on the coordination and delivery of specialized care and programming, staff competency and training, the safety of the physical environment of care and support services for the families of residents and patients with dementia.

Now in effect are new and revised requirements that align with the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. Constructed with input from a Standards Review Panel (SRP) and Public Field Reviews, these enhancements reflect best practices in memory care and provide an evidence-based approach toward ensuring the highest quality care for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia in nursing care centers.

This certification is available to organizations that have achieved or are currently seeking accreditation through our Nursing Care Center Accreditation Program. Organizations have the option to obtain this certification during their scheduled accreditation survey or, for an additional fee, can request an extension survey to obtain it at any time during the during the 3-year accreditation cycle.

To be eligible for Memory Care Certification for Nursing Care Centers, The Joint Commission requires organizations to have an organized approach to the care, treatment and services provided to this special patient population. Providers must also have served a minimum of five patients or residents within their memory care program with a minimum of two active patients at the time of survey. Certification fees are distributed over the three-year certification cycle, with an average cost of less than $600 per year.

Our program provides a unique opportunity to recognize nursing care centers that are meeting state-of-the-art standards and implementing best practices for dementia care. Your achievement will be posted on the Quality Check^® web site which lists Joint Commission accredited/certified organizations, and your information will be submitted for inclusion in the Alzheimer’s Association Community Resource Finder, a database of dementia and aging-related resources for those seeking programs and services. Organizations meeting the certification requirements will also be able to promote their achievement using The Gold Seal of Approval^® and the designated certification mark shown below. View our publicity kit for ideas, guidelines, and resources to help you promote your achievement.

Whether you’re new to the Joint Commission or are looking for guidance after your survey or review, you’ll have plenty of ongoing support. If you’re pursuing certification for the first time, a member of our Business Development team will help you determine eligibility and provide access to the certification standards and other helpful resources. Once your application and deposit has been submitted, an Account Executive will then become your primary, ongoing “go to” person to help you through the process before, during and after the survey.

Curious what your path to certification looks like? Here are six quick steps to guide you through the process with confidence: