Press Release – 3-30-2017

Bridgewell Earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation 

Distinguished Accreditation Is the Highest Level of Certification That Can Be Given to An Organization; Functional Assessment Tool for Aging Cited as Potential National Model

Lynnfield, Mass. – March 30, 2017 –Bridgewell, a Lynnfield based nonprofit dedicated to supporting and helping individuals with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities and other life challenges, has once again earned a three-year accreditation from CARF International, the highest level of certification that an organization can achieve. While Bridgewell’s day habilitation services have been accredited by CARF for well over 25 years, this is the third consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that CARF has given to all Bridgewell services and programs for substantial conformance to its high standards.

Bridgewell earned special recognition for its Functional Assessment Tool for Aging, which CARF gave an “exemplary” conformance to standards. This distinction is given to less than 5 percent of accredited organizations. CARF also noted that the tool has the “potential to be used on a national level.” The tool measures progress or regression around numerous data points such as living skills, communication, and recollection which has helped better address the special needs of aging adults with Down syndrome, who have a near 100 percent risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in their lifetime.

“We are extremely proud of this accreditation from CARF,” said Bridgewell Interim CEO Kelly Martin. “It objectively demonstrates and confirms the high quality of services Bridgewell provides to individuals with disabilities and other life challenges. We were measured against nearly 2,000 standards. This achievement is a testament to the staff of Bridgewell who adhere to these standards in the delivery of service day in and day out.”

The rigorous CARF assessment complimented Bridgewell for their “enthusiasm, commitment and pride in their work and a genuine caring” for their clients, as they strive to “clearly understand each individual’s strengths and needs.” Bridgewell’s services are considered “innovative and creative,” and CARF believes Bridgewell has particularly distinguished itself as “a leader in the industry that has excelled in providing exceptional autism services.”

Significantly, CARF found that individuals who use Bridgewell’s services place high confidence in the organization, stating that “families feel involved and informed, and they appreciate the open communication and responsiveness they receive.” Families reported that their loved ones are “very happy with their lifestyles and opportunities” and that the facilities are “well maintained, inviting and respectful” places.

An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of international surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality. 

For almost 60 years, Bridgewell has partnered with an ever-growing community of visionaries, leaders and front-line practitioners in Massachusetts and beyond to cultivate innovative ways to improve the lives of people with a wide range of disabilities and other life challenges. Bridgewell is committed to delivering a quality continuum of care, including adult autism services, day habilitation and employment supports, community housing, substance use disorder treatment and prevention, affordable housing and behavioral health care.

Bridgewell has more than 1,300 employees providing services in 24 towns on the North Shore and Merrimack Valley.

ABOUT CARF INTERNATIONAL

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process and continuous improvement services that center on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, and now known as CARF International, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. For more information about the accreditation process, please visit the CARF website at www.carf.org.

ABOUT BRIDGEWELL

Bridgewell is a Lynnfield based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and helping individuals with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric disabilities and other life challenges to direct their own lives, achieve personal and professional success, and remain active participants in society. Bridgewell serves more than 6,250 individuals and their families in Massachusetts, providing residential and day services, affordable housing and homeless services, clinical services, substance use disorder treatment, recreational services, as well as employment training and educational services. It is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization. For more information visit bridgewell.org.

Media Contact:
Paige Allen
Greenough, on behalf of Bridgewell
pallen@greenough.biz
617-275-6535