Five Optima Living communities have earned the prestigious CARF Three-Year Accreditation with a 100% success rate and no recommendations for improvement. This achievement highlights our unwavering dedication to person-centred care. and places Optima Living among an elite group of only 3% of CARF-accredited organizations to achieve this distinction.
CARF International (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) sets rigorous standards of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. By meeting every one of nearly 200 accreditation standards, Optima Living demonstrates its commitment to creating safe, supportive environments where residents can thrive.
"This achievement is an indication of Optima Living’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life of persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of conformance to standards,” wrote Brian Boone, President and CEO, CARF Canada.
What Is CARF Accreditation and Why Does It Matter?
Accreditation is a formal process of recognizing an organization for meeting internationally recognized standards of quality in its services. CARF standards serve as a detailed framework to guide actions, services, and evidence that organizations must meet to demonstrate exceptional quality.
For residents and families, CARF accreditation provides assurance that their Optima Living community adheres to best practices in care delivery, safety, and continuous improvement. It’s more than just a recognition; it’s a promise of high-quality care and accountability. At Optima Living, accreditation serves as a benchmark to ensure we’re creating homes where seniors feel safe, supported, and valued.
What Sets Optima Living Apart?
Optima Living’s achievement of meeting 100% of CARF standards across all five accredited communities is a testament to our commitment to excellence. This remarkable accomplishment demonstrates our ability to provide services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.
Our guiding North Star, “Let Us Welcome You Home,” is at the heart of everything we do. This philosophy ensures that every decision we make is centred around creating a meaningful, healthful life for our residents.
Positive Feedback from Residents and Families
The CARF accreditation process highlighted exceptional satisfaction among residents and families, who praised our sense of community, enriching social events, and dedicated staff. These testimonials inspire us to continue enhancing the lives of those we serve.
Highlights from Our Accredited Communities
Each of the five Optima Living communities that achieved CARF accreditation has its own unique strengths. Here are a few highlights from each:
The Hamlets at Westsyde
Physical space here is particularly noted for private rooms with large windows overlooking a park and lovely scenery, and a spacious landscaped area with planters, tables, benches, and chairs. Residents and families enjoy the opportunity to spend time together in their living rooms as well as the outdoor spaces.
Residents and families appreciate having ongoing open communication with staff members and feel that they are included in education and receive timely information.
Interdisciplinary teams are cohesive units that work together to ensure all staff and residents receive the support they need. Staff and administration collaborated to create a comprehensive high-risk log used to gather essential information regarding residents with behaviours or elevated risks during rounds. This information aids in appropriately focused attention for residents. It is also analyzed for trends and used as a part of Optima Living’s key quality improvement initiatives.
The Hamlets at Vernon
Residents enjoy the choices offered at mealtimes and the events hosted throughout the year that provide opportunity for connection and socialization. They appreciate the focus on their personalized healthcare as well as the level of communication and attention received from their care workers, nurses, therapists and the leadership team.
A variety of activities are offered including outdoor pursuits such as specially modified kayaking (with an option for those in wheelchairs), bicycling, and walking.
Families report their constructive suggestions are encouraged; and their voices are welcome and integral to the continued improvements in programs and services.
The Hamlets at Penticton
Assessment and care planning processes were noted by CARF as “commendable” for being thorough, detailed and personalized to residents’ wishes, right down to end-of-life care preferences.
The Hamlets at Penticton is well integrated in the local community. A variety of community groups provide programs to residents and outings are provided to local sites, such as visits to orchards or picnics at the nearby lake.
Many staff members have longevity with us and have opportunities to advance into higher-level positions. They express dedication to Optima Living’s vision of providing a homelike experience for our residents. Collaboration among teams and across disciplines was recognized by the surveyors.
The Evergreen Hamlets at Fleetwood
Optima Living focuses on empowering residents with dementia to live their best lives. Residents are offered a therapeutic approach to behaviour and community living and are encouraged to make their own decisions in as many aspects of their daily lives as possible.
There are no separate dedicated memory support centres. Residents living with dementia reside among other residents. Residents of all levels of cognitive function are encouraged to help one another which often results in meaningful relationships.
A Snoezelen® multisensory room is available for residents who may benefit from a calm and therapeutic atmosphere.
The Hamlets at Duncan
Optima Living's team members assist residents throughout life's journey, offering special support even in their final days, honouring residents’ specific wishes and providing support to their family. Staff members take time to sit with a resident in their final days if family is not there.
Pain management and comfort for those nearing end-of-life are a priority.
Residents who pass are escorted from the home with a respectful and meaningful farewell called the "Dignity Walk."
Why Accreditation Benefits Everyone
Accreditation is not a one-time achievement but a commitment to ongoing growth. At Optima Living, we regularly review and enhance our practices to align with the latest standards, ensuring the best possible care for our residents.
CARF accreditation signals to residents and their families that we prioritize their well-being. It affirms that we are dedicated to providing safe, supportive, and engaging environments where seniors can thrive.
Achieving CARF accreditation reflects Optima Living’s ability to exceed expectations—not only for our residents but also for health authorities and communities. This accomplishment strengthens our reputation as a trusted leader in seniors’ care.
Looking Ahead: Continuing to Lead in Seniors’ Care
“We will continue to lead the way in providing exceptional quality care for seniors,” said Farid Damji, Co-Founder & Principal at Optima Living. “This achievement represents our dedication to creating safe, supportive homes where seniors can thrive.”
“Our success is a testament to the incredible team at Optima Living and the passion they bring to their work every day,” he adds. “We are grateful for the trust placed in us by residents and their families and will remain committed to delivering the highest standards of care in all that we do.”