A New Approach to Memory Care Certification

Our Collaboration with Alzheimer's Association
An estimated 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer's and roughly 48% of nursing home residents have Alzheimer's or other dementias. The Joint Commission and the Alzheimer's Association are partnering to address the quality and safety needs of this growing community and wants to recognize nursing care centers that are meeting state-of-the-art standards and implementing best practices for dementia care. The first initiative involves the enhancement of The Joint Commission's Memory Care Certification (MCC) Program for nursing care centers.

An Enhanced Certification for Memory Care
The Joint Commission MCC program has 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 current scientific evidence and 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.

Eligibility
Providers must have an organized approach to the care, treatment, and services provided to this special patient population and 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 the survey.

MCC is available to organizations that have achieved or are currently seeking accreditation through the Nursing Care Center Accreditation Program.

Market Distinction in Memory Care
This achievement will be posted on the Quality Check® website which lists Joint Commission accredited/certified organizations. Information will be submitted for inclusion in the Alzheimer's Association Community Resource Finder, dementia and aging-related resources database​ Organizations meeting the enhanced MCC requirements will also be able to promote their achievement using The Gold Seal of Approval® and the Alzheimer's Association designated certification mark.

Learn the Process
Here are six quick steps to guide you through the process with confidence:

  1. Connect with us
  2. Review the requirements
  3. Assess your readiness
  4. Submit the application
  5. Participate in the on-site review
  6. Promote your achievement

Contact Us
Visit us online to learn more about the process and begin your journey to memory care certification today!

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 About The Joint Commission
Expert Guidance. Solutions-Driven Survey. Unmatched Customer Support. The Joint Commission provides the ideal framework to help nursing home and assisted living community providers develop sustainable, quality care processes. Relied upon by states, insurers and payors, Joint Commission accreditation can increase referrals, help meet quality metrics, enhance participation in managed care networks and provide additional growth opportunities.

Learn how our collaborative process and survey options can help you achieve or surpass your own business and quality objectives. Visit www.jointcommission.org/ncc or call 630-792-5020.