Lanark Lodge earns top accreditation, secures new provincial funding

A Lanark County long-term care home is being recognized for its excellence after earning the highest level of accreditation available, which officials say will bring meaningful improvements for both residents and staff.

Late last week, Lanark Lodge announced they had received a three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), following a comprehensive review process earlier in January 2026.

This designation also qualifies the Lodge for approximately $25,000 annually in additional funding through the province’s Quality Attainment Funding program, which will run until January 2029.

“This is an outstanding achievement for Lanark Lodge, which showcases excellent management and high-quality care for our residents,” said Warden Richard Kidd (Beckwith Reeve). “Congratulations to Director Shawna Stone and all Lanark Lodge staff for the work you do every day to achieve and maintain these standards.”

For staff at Lanark Lodge, this accreditation reflects the organization’s strong commitment to consistent, high-quality, person-centred care on a day-to-day basis.

“For residents, it means more consistency and accountability in everyday care,” said Shawna Stone, Director of Long-Term Care. “CARF’s standards reinforce clear processes and follow-through, so residents and families can expect a reliable, transparent approach to care planning, safety practices, and how concerns are addressed.”

In an email to Lanarkist, Stone said the recognition is about continuous quality improvement and not just a “one- time stamp,” re-affirming the Lodge’s focus on person-centred living, where residents’ preferences, routines, and dignity are prioritized.

“We will keep measuring performance, listening to resident and family feedback, and making changes throughout the three-year cycle,” detailed Stone.

The review also highlighted practical strengths within the Lodge’s operations—including the use of technology to enhance care delivery, infection prevention, and internal audits.

For staff, Stone said this accreditation serves as both a moment of proud recognition and continued motivation.

“A three-year accreditation signals that the care, teamwork, and systems in place substantially conform to internationally recognized standards,” Stone told Lanarkist. “It validates the work staff do every day and builds pride in what they’ve achieved.”

She shared that the process of preparing for the on-site survey and review worked to strengthen collaboration across departments and staff.

“Achieving this result reflects a shared commitment and builds momentum for continued improvements,” Stone added. “Having a defined improvement target helps keep efforts focused and shows staff their feedback and development are being taken seriously.”

For more information, visit https://www.lanarkcounty.ca/living/lanark-lodge/