VANCOUVER, British Columbia – West Coast Seniors Housing Management (WCSHM) has proudly announced that its client, Retirement Concepts, has been awarded the prestigious CARF Three-Year Accreditation for Long-Term Care across all surveyed regions in British Columbia. This comprehensive accreditation covers facilities in Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Interior, representing the highest level of recognition from CARF International.
Highest Level of Quality Recognition
The three-year accreditation represents the most distinguished honor CARF bestows upon organizations, signifying exceptional leadership, consistent quality practices, and a deeply embedded commitment to person-centered care. This achievement demonstrates Retirement Concepts' dedication to maintaining the highest standards in senior care throughout its British Columbia operations.
"This external validation confirms our organization is well-led, resident-centered, and operationally disciplined," stated WCSHM President Graham Freeman. "It signals not only strong performance but also robust systems—embedded practices that deliver consistency, safety, and an exceptional resident experience. This represents a major accomplishment across our substantial and complex Long-Term Care portfolio."
Organizational Excellence and Scale
WCSHM oversees 23 communities with more than 3,700 employees, supporting nearly 200 additional staff at the corporate level. Achieving CARF's Three-Year Accreditation across all surveyed regions serves as a powerful indicator that quality, governance, and continuous improvement are sustained throughout the entire organization.
CARF standards emphasize measurable outcomes, accountability, ethical leadership, strategic planning, and continuous improvement as core indicators of organizational maturity. This accreditation validates that Retirement Concepts meets these rigorous international benchmarks across its British Columbia facilities.
Leadership Recognition
West Coast Seniors Housing Management has extended special recognition to Scott Shearer, WCSHM's Director of Quality and Risk, whose leadership proved pivotal during the accreditation survey process. Shearer organized the internal survey-readiness effort, coordinated teams across multiple departments, ensured proper documentation of CARF standards evidence, and guided the organization in effectively communicating its operational story to surveyors.
"This accreditation represents a team achievement that reflects years of improvement—and Scott's work was instrumental in helping us demonstrate that progress in a cohesive, credible manner," added Graham Freeman, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this significant accomplishment.
A Trust Signal for Stakeholders
The Three-Year outcome is widely regarded as a strong indicator of consistent performance, reduced operational risk, and mature governance structures. This milestone supports West Coast's strategic goals of continuous improvement and enhanced resident outcomes through several key initiatives:
- Moments that Matter program implementation
- It Starts with Me organizational philosophy
- Empathetic and Compassion-Led Care approaches
- Team Member Resiliency development
- Dignify, optimize and personalize the resident experience initiatives
Future Outlook and Organizational Commitment
West Coast notes that this achievement coincides with continued operational progress across its portfolio, including ongoing improvement efforts designed to further strengthen the organization's care model and brand standards. "This is not merely a plaque—it's a trust signal," emphasized Graham Freeman. "It reflects years of dedicated work by teams across every department and every community. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to this significant achievement."
About CARF International
CARF International operates as an independent, nonprofit accreditor that develops international consensus standards to help organizations measure and improve quality, ensure accountability, and advance person-centered services across healthcare and human service sectors.
