Lakeridge Gardens has been named a 2026 Ajax News Advertiser Readers’ Choice winner in the Best Nursing Homes/Long-Term Care Centre category, according to an October 22 announcement from Lakeridge Health.
The Ajax long-term care home is also highlighting the relationships among residents, families, staff and community organizations that were celebrated at its September 18 Community Engagement Day.
Lakeridge Health says thousands of nominations and votes were cast in this year’s Readers’ Choice programme. That is the programme-wide description in the announcement; it is not a disclosed vote total for Lakeridge Gardens.
Residents and families at the centre
Jeanette Dindial, the home’s director of operations, described recognition from the Ajax community as meaningful because of the relationships the home has built beyond its walls. She attributed the recognition to residents, families, staff and community partners.
The September event was part of the Ontario Long Term Care Association’s Community Engagement Day initiative. At Lakeridge Gardens, it brought residents, families, partners, staff and guests together for stories, conversation and an Essential Partners in Care Awards presentation.
The awards recognized people whose partnerships have contributed to the home. The release does not provide an individual recipient list, and none is inferred here.
A voice in life at the home
Kristen Feasby, a resident and president of the Residents’ Council, emphasized belonging, being heard and being included in decisions. She also serves as an ambassador for the Essential Partners in Care programme.
The hospital system connects that collaborative approach to its 2026–2031 strategic plan, Care Closer to Home. Its account describes residents and families as partners in the home’s community, rather than simply recipients of care.
The October 22 announcement links the new Readers’ Choice recognition with a retrospective on the September gathering. It does not announce another engagement day or invite residents to a past event.
The recognition is a community voting award. It is not presented here as a clinical accreditation, inspection finding or independent ranking of care outcomes.
