The Masonic Homes at Elizabeth-town has received a three-year accreditation for its long term care, dementia, subacute, outpatient, and laboratory services from the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). That independent review agency is highly respected by health care insurers and providers.

The agency's survey in November evaluated the Masonic Homes' compliance with nationally established Joint Commission standards. Scores ranged from 92% to 98%, which is quite extraordinary for an initial survey.

The surveyors said they were very impressed with the facility and staff. They were pleased with the care provided to residents, the staff's knowledge of their responsibilities, and the quality improvement efforts that the organization has embraced.

The JCAHO team and the involvement of the staff in preparing for this accreditation survey began in June 1997. Teams of employees were established to review policies, procedures, how care is provided for residents, and how employees perform their jobs.