Canterbury Woods is proud to announce that both Williamsville and Gates Circle have successfully completed their CARF surveys for 2025. This prestigious achievement reflects the communities’ unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence in senior living.
Founded on a tradition of care and community, Canterbury Woods has always prioritized a senior living experience that goes beyond expectations. Residents and families have long known what CARF surveyors have now confirmed: Canterbury Woods is a place where people live vibrant lifestyles.
As one surveyor put it, “It’s in the secret sauce at Canterbury Woods—people want to work at Canterbury Woods, and people want to live at Canterbury Woods! Bravo!”
What Is CARF, and Why Does It Matter?
CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, is an international, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services, including Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). CARF accreditation is widely recognized as the gold standard, symbolizing a community’s dedication to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Earning a Five-Year Accreditation is no small feat—it signifies that a community meets the highest standards of care, operations, and resident satisfaction, a distinction that only the most exemplary organizations achieve. The survey process is rigorous, including comprehensive reviews of policies, staff training, documentation, and on-site inspections, ensuring every aspect of community life is evaluated against international best practices.
This accreditation not only recognizes current excellence but also reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, keeping residents’ needs and experiences at the forefront of care.
Where Canterbury Woods Excelled
Both Canterbury Woods campuses shone during the CARF surveys, demonstrating exceptional performance across a variety of programs and services:
Gates Circle:
Williamsville:
- CCRC
- Assisted Living
- Assisted Living: Dementia Care Specialty Program
- Person-Centered Long-Term Care
The surveys highlighted numerous strengths, including:
- Beautiful, well-maintained campuses with inviting environments
- Evident growth, innovation, and forward-thinking programs
- Commitment to strategic planning and succession planning
- Strong foundation in Episcopal values and a person-centered philosophy
- Robust dining, wellness, and fitness offerings, including group exercise, wellness coaching, and culinary programs designed to delight residents
- Thriving community life with abundant programs and resident input shaping activities and events
- Exceptional staff training, retention, and satisfaction, ensuring continuity and quality of care
- Strong resident-family relationships, fostering trust and engagement
- Exemplary financial performance, ranking above the 75th percentile
Surveyors were particularly impressed with innovative dementia care programs and the integration of wellness, social, and spiritual opportunities that support both physical and mental health. Residents and staff alike spoke about the welcoming culture that makes Canterbury Woods a standout CCRC in New York.
What This Means for Residents, Families, and Staff
For residents and families, CARF accreditation is a seal of trust, confirming that Canterbury Woods provides safe, high-quality, and innovative services that meet rigorous international standards. Families can rest easy knowing that every aspect of community life—from care delivery to dining to social engagement—meets a level of excellence recognized worldwide.
Staff benefit from resources, ongoing training, and technology that foster a supportive and rewarding workplace culture, ensuring continued excellence, retention, and job satisfaction.
This recognition cements Canterbury Woods’ position as a leader among CCRCs in New York and beyond. It highlights the communities’ commitment to continuous improvement, strategic innovation, and resident-focused care. As one surveyor noted, “This is not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.”
Looking Ahead
With CARF accreditation in hand, Canterbury Woods is well-positioned to expand programs, enhance wellness initiatives, and continue innovating in senior living. Leadership remains focused on resident satisfaction, staff development, and thoughtful long-term planning, ensuring that the communities continues to set the standard for quality senior care.
Celebrate with Us
CARF’s recognition highlights the “secret sauce” of Canterbury Woods—the people, programs, and philosophy that make it truly exceptional.
Schedule a visit to Canterbury Woods Williamsville or Gates Circle and see firsthand why CARF surveyors—and our residents—are so impressed. Experience communities where excellence isn’t just measured, it’s lived every day.
