All Ten ABHOW Continuing Care Retirement Communities Achieve Highest Industry Accreditation.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- In recognition of its ongoing high-level performance in continuing care retirement communities, American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW) today announced that CARF-CCAC - the prestigious industry accreditation governing body - has awarded all ten of ABHOW's communities with five-year accreditation. This industry seal of approval has been awarded to fewer than one-in-five of the nation's continuing care retirement communities.

"In today's world where choice and information can seem overwhelming, people need trusted third-party evaluation to help them validate decisions," said David B. Ferguson, President and CEO of ABHOW. "They need this when purchasing a car, deciding on a hotel or even choosing a movie. So it's obviously particularly important when it comes to a decision that has so many personal and family implications. Our residents and their families gain great peace of mind that CARF-CCAC, the gold standard in continuing care retirement communities accreditation, has awarded this accreditation to our communities."

The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) was founded in 1985 as the nation's only accrediting body for continuing care retirement communities and similar organizations. In January 2003, CCAC was acquired by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a nonprofit accreditor founded in 1966 that touches more than 7 million individuals served in a wide range of human service organizations.

"The care and well-being of seniors is one of the most fundamentally important responsibilities of society," said Dr. Brian Boon, President and CEO, CARF International. "The communities in American Baptist Homes of the West that have demonstrated the highest level of achievement in this rigorous process are commended for their quality programs and services."

CARF recognized many exemplary practices and services in the ABHOW communities, a designation that is only given for those extraordinary programs and services that far exceed the national standards. CARF awarded accreditation to ABHOW's innovative dementia care program, The Grove, which has been implemented at four communities. Notably, ABHOW is the first multi-site organization in the nation to receive accreditation for dementia care.

Other exemplary programs included the use of technology, which is a key area where resident medical care is enhanced but is done so in a way to also optimize human touch. Residents' medical records are fully electronic and are reviewed by the appropriate medical personnel before their periodic consultation with the resident, which allows the staff to purposefully engage with the residents creating a sense of extended family.

Creating a sense of place and purpose is a vital part of superior continuing care retirement communities. To that end, many of the communities have implemented weekly farmer's markets and horticultural programs that integrate health and wellness philosophies with residents' preferences and choices. And many of the communities have implemented strong "green" programs garnering local, state and national awards.

"Plymouth Village offers seniors vital and marvelous opportunities for growth, socially, intellectually, spiritually and physically," said Dr. Jane Wilson, a five-year resident of Plymouth Village, ABHOW's first CCRC. "We're not just here to rest, but to live! This accreditation reflects the wonderful programs in place here at Plymouth."

About ABHOW:

Founded in 1949, ABHOW is widely known for its pioneering leadership in senior housing and health care. The company serves more than 5,000 residents in 20 affordable housing communities and 10 continuing care retirement communities in California, Arizona, Nevada and Washington.