national senior center accreditation. the value of nisc accreditation september 21, 2015

National Senior Center Accreditation

The Value of NISC Accreditation

September 21, 2015

3A non-profit service and advocacy organization © 2011 National Council on Aging

NISC is setting the standard for the future

of senior centers!

Lowcountry Senior Center, Charleston S.C.Accredited in 2005, 2010, 2015

National Institute of Senior Centers


Official Recognition that a Senior Center is:

meeting its mission in compliance with

national standards a viable, fundable,

and a qualified provider

Assures consumers

Educate

community

on the value

of our senior

center!

What is Accreditation?


Accreditation First Steps

Explore Accreditation

Involve Others in Decision

Download Accreditation Workbook

File Notice of Self-Assessment


Select Committee:• Experts from for-profit

and non profit businesses

• Partners• Senior Service

Organizations • Academia• Civic organizations• Local government• Older adults

The Self-Assessment Committee


Format your structure

Hold Orientation

Teams Meet

The Self-Assessment Committee


What needs to be developed?

What needs to be updated?

What needs to be implemented?

Gather Material Put together

Document Review Notebooks

Format Your To-Do List


NOTEBOOKS INCLUDES:Senior Center ProfileCenter/Process

DescriptionTable of contentsEach standard’s itemsWorkbook pages

PUT TOGETHER 4 NOTEBOOKS:National Accreditation

OfficeOn-site Peer Reviewer Off-site Peer ReviewerCopy for Your Center

The Peer Review Notebooks


Organizing the Peer Review Notebook

Organizing the Document Review Notebook

• Document Checklist order

• Set up a good system• Use front & back

copying• Limit pocket pages• Large document - use

table of contents • Do not use staples• Use only 1 (or 2)

example where needed

• Do not use plastic sleeves

• Provide a good color picture of center


PROCESSSend one notebook to

National Accreditation office for their review

Peer Reviewers are recruited and Senior Center is notified

Senior Center sends a notebooks to each Peer Reviewers

The Peer Review Notebooks


Work With On-Site Peer Reviewer to Develop Site Visit Agenda & Meeting Schedule

Include Off-Site Peer Reviewer in Schedule for Input With On-Site Reviewer

Organize Local Lodging, Transportation & Meals for On-Site Reviewer

Announce the On-Site Reviewer’s Visit to Media, Stakeholders, Board, Volunteers & Participants Then Welcome Accordingly

The On-Site Peer Review


On-site review

Tour center

Review Documents

Meet self-assessment committee

On-site confers with Off-site

Indicators required to be met

Exit interview conducted

Peer Review Process


Report written by On-site Peer Reviewer

Submitted to Accreditation Board

Board evaluates & makes decision

The Peer Review Process

Congratulations!


Take the time necessary to do a good job.

Keep on a schedule – don’t let it get lost!

Make sure the community is involved

Prepare the required documents during the self-assessment.

Call if you have questions!

Accreditation Reminders


The Nine National Standards Overview


The Principle

The Rationale

The Standard Criteria

The Workbook Section

Each Standard has 4 Parts


A senior center shall have a written mission statement, goals and objectives, and action plans consistent with the senior center philosophy.

Standard 1 Purpose and Planning


STRENGTHS:1. Strategic Plan (5) * Professional & Focused with Excellent Benchmarks & SWOT Analysis2. Mission Statement (4) * Commitment to Mission & Well Utilized Mission Statement3. Annual Report (3) * Comprehensive with Participant Quotes & Used in Welcome Packets

Standard 1 Purpose and Planning

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Strategic Plan (22)

* Include More Community Members & Stakeholders in Process * Provide Staff Assignments, Measurable Objectives & Time Lines2. Annual Report (9)

* Improve for Marketing Purposes & Expand Distribution Options3. Mission Statement (5) * Include in all Publications, Volunteer Handbook, Website & Social Media * Should Be Professionally Displayed in Center


A senior center shall serve as a focal point in the community by participating in cooperative community planning, establishing cooperative service delivery systems and providing information and referral services.

Standard 2 Community Connections


STRENGTHS:1. Community Connections (12) * Deeply Integrated into Community with Strong Reputation * Great Partnerships that are Varied, Diverse & Reflect a Caring Community2. Marketing Plan (11) * Excellent Rebranding Strategy with Appealing Publications & Website * Amazing Center Spirit in Relationships of Staff, Volunteers & Participants * Very Balanced Diversity Due to Specific Target Population Marketing

Standard 2 Community Connections

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Marketing Plan (13)

* Needs Staff Assignments, Objectives, Target Populations & Time Lines * Utilize More Technology for Website, Social Networking & E-Newsletter2. Community Connections (8)

* Expand Vision to Tap Into Resources from Other Community Organizations3. Research Guidelines (2)

* Develop Center Guidelines Instead of Using Those Wanting to do Research


The method of operation of a senior center should be to create effective relationships among the participants, staff, governing structure and the community.

Standard 3 Governance


STRENGTHS:1. Parent Organization (10) * Strong Support, Well Connected to Community & Very Sustainable2. Standing Boards/Committees (5) * Skilled, Active & Engaged Board/Council/Committee Members3. Documents (2) * Excellent Documents that are Comprehensive & Well Organized

Standard 3 Governance

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Documents (19)

* Update/Develop More Complete Conflict of Interest & Code of Ethics Policies with Signature Pages for Staff, Volunteers & Board Members * Include Initial Creation & Revision Dates for Consistent Management2. Standing Boards/Committees (5)

* Develop a More Involved Advisory Council & Involve in Strategic Planning * Add More Representatives from Community to Board/Council * Implement Term Limits for Board Members


A senior center shall have clear administrative and human resource policies and procedures that contribute to the effective management of its operation.

Standard 4 Administration and Human Resources


STRENGTHS:1. Personnel - Staff & Volunteers (18) * Attributes: Experienced, Talented, Qualified, Creative, Committed, Skilled, Dedicated, Long Term, Passionate, Welcoming, Well-Trained & Hard Working2. Volunteer Program (15) * Creative Management & Strong Commitment to a Successful Program

Standard 4 Administration and Human Resources

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Personnel - Staff & Volunteers (25)

* Update/Standardize All Job Descriptions & Organizational Chart * Increase Staffing to Meet Increased Needs & Demands * Succession Planning Needed for Organization/Center Director * Expand Training Opportunities with Focus on Senior Center/Aging Trends2. Volunteer Program (5)

* Develop/Improve Handbook, Job Descriptions & Implement Background Checks3. Policies (4) * Develop/Improve Policies for Code of Conduct, Political Activity, Incident Reporting, & Technology Use for Staff & Volunteers


A senior center’s program shall provide a broad range of group and individual activities and serves that respond to the needs and interests of older adults, their families, and caregivers in the community or service area

Standard 5 Program Development and Implementation


STRENGTHS:1. Programs (21) * Wide Range Which Meets the Needs of Most Active Senior to Most Frail. * Comprehensive I&R/Social Service Assistance * Innovative Health & Wellness Programming & Fitness Center * Model Adult Day Care & Inter-Generational Programs2. Hours of Operation (4) * Excellent Hours of Operation that Includes Weekends, Evenings & Holidays

Standard 5 Program Development and Implementation

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Hours of Operation (6)

* Expand Hours of Operation to Include Weekends & Evenings2. Programs (3)

* Plan/Implement a Fitness Center &Therapeutic Pool * Expand Health & Wellness Programming


A senior center shall have appropriate and adequate arrangements to evaluate its programs, services, and their delivery. Evaluation is the catalyst for change and growth.

Standard 6 Evaluation


STRENGTHS:1. Outcome Measures (7) * Model Utilization of Evidence-Based Health & Wellness Programs with Accompanying Outcome Evaluation Measures2. Evaluation Plan (3) * Comprehensive Evaluation Plan & Measurement Tools

Standard 6 Evaluation

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Outcome Measures (10)

* Research/Implement Evidence-Based Outcome Measured Programming with Credentialed Leaders * Improve Outcome Evaluation Tools & Train Staff on its Implementation2. Evaluation Plan (5) * Implement Best Practices in Evaluation Plan Beyond Basic Data Collection, Observation & Participant Satisfaction Surveys * Publish Evaluation Plan Results to Stakeholders * Use Evaluation Tools to Determine Cost Effectiveness of Programs


A senior center shall practice sound fiscal planning, management of assets, and maintenance of information.

Standard 7 Fiscal and Asset Responsibility


STRENGTHS:1. Fund Development (4) * Volunteers Assist Director by Raising 40% of Center’s Annual Budget * Maintains Separate Checking Account from City for Non-Budgeted Items * Tax Levy Aids Center’s Sustainability During Challenging Economic Times2. Internal Financial Control (3) * Excellent Fiscal Policies & Business Continuity Plan

Standard 7 Fiscal and Asset Responsibility

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Fund Development (11)

* Develop Funding Streams for Increased Fees, Planned Giving, Facility Rentals, Business Sponsors, Friends Group & Non-Profit Endowment/Foundation2. Internal Financial Control (3)

* Implement Online Credit Card Payments & Investment Policy3. Emergency Plan (2) * Develop Plan for Potential Long Term Loss Due to Disaster or Financial Crisis


A senior center shall keep complete records that provide a picture of its daily weekly, and yearly operations.

Standard 8 Records and Reports


STRENGTHS:1. Technology (2) * Impressive Emphasis on Technology, Databases and Software to Track Participant Information, Services and Outcomes2. Policies & Procedures (2) * Comprehensive & Complete Policies & Procedures Manual

Standard 8 Records and Reports

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Policies & Procedures (7) * Develop & Improve Policies for Addressing Mental/Physical Changes of Participants & Family Notification, Denial of Services, Code of Conduct, Advertisement or Sale of Products, Political Activity, Facility Use & Technology Use by Participants2. Confidentiality (6) * Update & Develop a More Complete Confidentiality Policy & Add a Signature Page for Staff, Volunteers & Board Members


A senior center shall establish facilities that promote effective program operation and provide for the health, safety, and comfort of participants, staff, and community.

Standard 9 Facility and Operations

North Shore Senior Center, Northfield, ILAccredited 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013


STRENGTHS:1. Facility Assessments (11) * Attributes: Orderly, Clean, User Friendly, Attractive, Cheerful, Well-Designed, Homey, Beautiful, Great Location & Comfortable2. Maintenance (2) * Extensive Annual Facility Maintenance Program

Standard 9 Facility and Operations

OPPORTUNITIES:1. Facility Improvements (13)

* Spruce-up Main Entry/Reception - Public’s 1st Impression, Replace/Repair Noisy HVAC, Implement GREEN & Universal Design Initiatives, Improve Lighting in Dark Public Areas, Update Bathrooms, Implement a Space Usage Assessment & Re-Assigned Programs As Appropriate, Improve Parking for Safety & Better Use of Space, Improve Access to Building with Automatic Sliding Doors, Ramping & Ramps2. Signage (4)

* Replace/Improve Exterior Sign & Position Perpendicular to Building & Install Directional Signage from Main Road Arteries Nearby


Accreditation is Official Recognition that your Senior Center is:Meeting its mission In compliance with

national standardsA viable, fundable,

and a qualified provider

Accreditation Benefits


“Within three months, we began to reap the benefits.”

Sheila SalyerManagerTallahassee Senior ServicesTallahassee, FL



Organize your efforts

Assure quality of service

Create an ethical organizationPalatine Township Senior Center

Palatine, ILAccredited 2006, 2011, 2015



“Gave us a formal, systematic, organized process to look at our entire operation which improved our focus and gave clear information to assist in future planning”

Larry ErlandsonEvergreen CommonsHolland, MI



Creates community dialog

Collaborated planning

Self evaluationExpert inputDirection & To Do

list


Center in the Park, Philadelphia, PAAccredited 2003, 2009, 2014


“The enthusiasm and dedication that has been demonstrated by our committee towards meeting these standards of excellence is inspiring”

Kathy SporreFergus Falls, MN



Enhances your image

PrideAwarenessCredibilityStrengthens

RelationshipsEnhanced

ApplicationsAssures Consumers


Gov. Mark Warner of Virginia applauds Senior Center Inc. (Charlottesville, VA) on NISC accreditationAccredited 2002, 2007, 2013


Lead Your Center & Community

My work through the re-accreditation process allowed me an inside look to the dedicated staff and excellent programming you offer. I am in awe of your willingness to look deeply into NESCO and find ways to improve something that is already so excellent. You are an amazing leader for this organization.

– North/Eastside Senior Coalition» City of Madison Alderperson


“ The most rewarding benefit of accreditation is the process and an action plan for achieving a bright future.”

Christine BeattyMadison, WI

Create a Bright Future


“For more information on National Senior Center Accreditation

Go to www.NCOA.org

For more information


• Learning: Expand your knowledge

• Independence: Live on your own terms

• Friends: Enjoy life

• Energy: Discover health and vitality

Celebrate LIFE at Your Senior Center!


The Work of NISC

Strengthening Senior Centers

Engaging Senior Centers in NCOA’s Mission


Seven Outcome Focused Teams

Public Policy and Advocacy Economic Security Improving Health

Standards & Accreditation Best Practices State Assns./Speakers Bureau Diversity

Engaging Senior

Centers in NCOA’s Mission

NCOA Strengthening Senior Centers


NISC is the only national organization

solely focused on the needs

of the senior center professional



NISC Connects You to a national

network of professional

support and innovative solutions



NISC is setting the standard for

the future of senior centers

Lowcountry Senior Center, Charleston S.C.Accredited in 2005 & 2010, 2015


national senior center accreditation. the value of nisc accreditation september 21, 2015

Documents

national accreditation

local senior center

lowcountry senior center

senior center practice

senior center field

senior operations

quality of senior centers

future of senior centers