Celebrating Excellence: Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse Renews CARF Accreditation
Summary
One member’s family caregiver stated that the program “goes beyond the call of duty in the support of members and family.”
Community Integration
Governance Standards Applied
We are proud to announce that Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse has recently renewed its CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) Accreditation. This achievement not only reaffirms our commitment to providing high-quality services but also highlights our continuous efforts to improve and innovate in the field of brain injury rehabilitation.
As we celebrate this milestone, let’s explore the key areas that have contributed to our success and set us apart as a leader in brain injury treatment.
Global Recognition: A Model for Brain Injury Service Provision
Over 20 years of operation, Side by Side has become a beacon of hope and learning for organizations worldwide. We regularly host visitors from across the globe who are eager to learn about the Clubhouse Model for brain injury service provision. This international interest is a testament to the effectiveness and uniqueness of our approach.
Our adherence to the International Brain Injury Clubhouse Alliance (IBICA) philosophy has been unwavering, demonstrating the timeless relevance of this model that has guided brain injury treatment for over 70 years. By opening our doors to international visitors, we’re not just sharing knowledge; we’re fostering a global community dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by brain injuries.
Leadership in the Field: Shaping the Future of Brain Injury Rehabilitation
As a founding member of IBICA, Side by Side has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of brain injury rehabilitation. Our consistent presence on IBICA’s board of directors and various conference committees since its inception has allowed us to contribute significantly to the development and refinement of best practices in the field.
Our commitment to leadership extends beyond boardrooms. Side by Side has presented at every IBICA conference and numerous international seminars, sharing our insights, successes, and challenges with peers and professionals worldwide. This consistent engagement not only cements our position as a thought leader but also ensures that we remain at the forefront of advancements in brain injury treatment.
Financial Resilience: Navigating Challenges with Strategic Planning
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare organizations worldwide, and Side by Side was no exception. However, our response to these challenges demonstrates our resilience and forward-thinking approach. Under the guidance of our executive director and financial staff, we developed and implemented an aggressive fiscal strategic plan aimed at ensuring financial stability and continuity of services. This plan goes beyond addressing immediate concerns. It includes provisions for scenarios where traditional funding sources may become unavailable, outlining alternative funding options to maintain our services. This proactive approach to financial management ensures that we can continue to provide high-quality care to our members, regardless of external economic pressures.
Advocacy Efforts: Championing the Cause of Brain Injury Survivors
At Side by Side, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond the walls of our facility. We are active advocates for brain injury legislation, recognizing the critical role that policy plays in supporting individuals with brain injuries. Our recent advocacy for the renewal of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act is a prime example of our commitment to ensuring continued funding and support for our members.
The power of our advocacy lies not just in our voice, but in the voices of those we serve. More than 20 of our members provided testimonials in support of these efforts, sharing how Side by Side has given them hope and enabled them to become active, contributing members of their communities. These personal stories are powerful reminders of the real-world impact of our work and the importance of continued support for brain injury services.
Community Integration: Building Bridges to Society
One of the cornerstones of our approach at Side by Side is our focus on community integration. We offer a diverse range of options designed to help our members reconnect with society and build meaningful lives beyond their injuries. These include volunteer outings, Clubhouse business outings, therapeutic social activities, and personalized outings tailored to individual interests and needs.
The success of these programs is evident in the high approval ratings they receive from members and stakeholders alike. By providing opportunities for our members to engage with the wider community, we’re not just aiding in their rehabilitation; we’re helping to build a more inclusive society that recognizes and values the contributions of individuals with brain injuries.
Safety and Training: Cultivating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
At Side by Side, we understand that the safety and well-being of our members and staff are paramount. To this end, we’ve implemented a highly detailed safety incident tracking and trending program. This proactive approach has led to the development of new incident reduction strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in incidents over the past year.
We’ve also placed a strong emphasis on staff training, particularly in the area of behavioral intervention. Our training programs focus on identifying behavioral triggers and preventing potential aggressive behaviors, reducing the risk of injuries and the need for restraint. By offering this training on an ongoing basis, rather than just annually, we’re creating sustainable practices that ensure consistent, high-quality care for our members.
Research Contribution: Advancing the Field Through Evidence-Based Practice
Side by Side’s commitment to excellence extends into the realm of research. Our director served on the leadership team of a three-year multisite research project examining the qualities of IBICA Clubhouses across the nation. This project, which included Side by Side as one of eight study sites, not only contributed valuable insights to the field but also solidified our reputation as experts in brain injury rehabilitation.
By participating in such research initiatives, we ensure that our practices are grounded in the latest evidence-based approaches. This commitment to continuous learning and improvement is a key factor in our ability to provide cutting-edge, effective services to our members.
As we celebrate the renewal of our CARF Accreditation, we’re reminded of the journey that has brought us here. Each of these areas of strength – our global recognition, leadership in the field, financial resilience, advocacy efforts, community integration programs, focus on safety and training, and contributions to research – represents countless hours of dedication, compassion, and hard work from our staff, members, and supporters.
What does that mean for you?
Persons served and their families look for organizations that are accredited as a sign of quality when looking for services.
This accreditation is not just a recognition of our past achievements; it’s a commitment to our future. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our mission of empowering individuals with brain injuries to lead fulfilling, connected lives. We’re grateful for the trust placed in us by our members and their families, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community with the highest standards of care and innovation.
To everyone who has been a part of the Side by Side journey – thank you. Your support, trust, and dedication have made this achievement possible. Together, we’ll continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by brain injuries, one day at a time.
What is CARF?
CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services providers in the areas of Aging Services, Behavioral Health, Child and Youth Services, Durable Medical Equipment, Employment and Community Services, Medical Rehabilitation, Opioid Treatment Programs, and Vision Rehabilitation Services. CARF assists service providers in improving the quality of their services by applying sets of quality standards during an on-site survey.
When a service or program is CARF accredited, it means it has undergone an in-depth review of its services and demonstrated substantial conformance to the CARF standards during the on-site survey. The service or program has demonstrated its commitment to delivering quality services that focus on your needs and preferences. For more information about CARF International, the standards, or the survey process, visit www.carf.org.