About Us
How Lanark Lifestyles Got Started
A doctor and a pharmacist wanted a higher level of care available for seniors. So they made it happen.
Dr. Chadha (Neel) and Wit Lewandowski met through family friends and began to meet regularly to play tennis. During their off-court banter, Neel would sometimes discuss his experiences as a house physician at various retirement homes. It was during one of these discussions that he expressed how he felt the current standard of care for seniors warranted many improvements.
Wit, a pharmacist by trade who already had experience operating retirement homes in Ottawa and Belleville, explained the ways that he had already raised standards for seniors under his care. Intrigued and inspired, Neel began to raise the topic more often and ask more questions.
One day, in the spring of 2017, Neel asked Wit to go for a coffee. Accustomed to meeting on the tennis court, Wit knew that Neel was up to something.
During this meeting, Neel announced that he wanted to build and operate a retirement community—but there was a catch. He also told Wit that he wanted more than advice to make it happen. What about becoming partners?
By channelling their medical, pharmaceutical, entrepreneurial and senior care experience, think of how well they could raise the benchmark for senior care as a united force.
Wit could see that Neel wanted to make a difference and they began to work on a plan. Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence brought that plan to life, and gave seniors in Lanark County access to the level of care and the lifestyle they deserve.
Why Perth?
Perth was originally established on April 18, 1816 as a military settlement. The town has a population of about 6,000 citizens. It has a rich history, vibrant culture and sizeable population of seniors.
Perth has many surrounding communities with beautiful lakes, trails and cottages. It has the oldest golf course in Canada, as well as a tennis club, bridge clubs, curling clubs, churches for all denominations, and many town festivals which occur both in the summer and winter.
Perth is also home to the highly accredited Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. It consists of a medical, surgical, intensive care, and obstetrical ward. It also hosts numerous outpatient clinics and has an intensive rehabilitation ward.
Dr. Neel Chadha trained at the hospital in Perth and Wit had often visited Perth during his travels and loved its culture.
Building an additional resource for seniors in Perth to empower and enrich their lives during their later retirement years seemed like a natural next step. Read their bios.
Raising the Standard of Care
Lanark Lifestyles is not a traditional retirement home in Ontario. The concept for Perth's retirement community was inspired by a physician and a pharmacist who joined forces to raise the standard of care for our respected elders.
Highlights of Choosing Lanark Lifestyles:
Residents come to relax, have fun and be well cared for in a modern retirement home with well-equipped suites and beautiful landscaping. View our full list of amenities.
All our suites and common areas feature a nurse call system with 24/7 emergency response.
Our full-time coordinator organizes more than 100 activities per month. View our full list of features.
Our in-house chef prepares delicious, nutritious meals using fresh ingredients. More information about our dining options.
Exercise programs are available to every resident. More information about enjoying an active lifestyle at Lanark Lifestyles.
Celebrating Seniors
At Lanark Lifestyles, we value the experiences, obstacles and accomplishments of our residents, and we strongly believe that their wisdom must be passed on to future generations.
We recognize that after devoting decades of their lives caring for others, seniors deserve to be rewarded with a safe, nurturing and healthy retirement experience that offers peace of mind not only to themselves, but also to their families and community.
Why Choose Lanark Lifestyles?
Because we are passionate about empowering seniors with a retirement community that focuses on thriving, rather than merely surviving.
Meet the Lanark Lifestyles Team
The Lanark Lifestyles staff is committed to providing excellent care and a respectful and welcoming environment for our residents.
Dr. Neel Chadha, MD, CCFP
Co-Owner, Physician
Dr. Neel Chadha is a dedicated family physician who specializes in senior care. He has extensive knowledge of ailments affecting the senior population, including dementia, arthritis, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Dr. Chadha completed medical school in Calgary and carried out his family medicine residency training in Perth and Ottawa. Early in his career, he gained experience working in eight retirement homes and two long-term care homes. He also worked at five hospitals, including the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital.
As a child of immigrants, Dr. Chadha feels grateful for the freedoms, opportunities and lifestyles, Canada has to offer and to the generations of people who worked tirelessly to achieve them. His passion for helping seniors led him on the path to improving the standard of care—and the lifestyles—offered in retirement homes.
Wit Lewandowski, BSc. Pharm. BCGP
Co-Owner, Pharmacist
Wit Lewandowski is a registered pharmacist who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) from the University of Toronto, College of Pharmacy. He owned and operated Rideau Pharmacy in downtown Ottawa for over 25 years before selling it to focus on the retirement home sector. In order to stay current with developments in the pharmaceutical field, particularly in the area of senior care, he continues to work as a pharmacist on a part-time basis.
Wit has successfully developed and operated three other full-service retirement homes: Rideau Gardens, a 121-unit, in Ottawa, Quinte Gardens, a 239-unit, in Belleville and Hazeldean Gardens, a 172-unit, in Stittsville.
Wit has always been passionate about senior care and is one of the few pharmacists in the country with the professional designation of Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP). Wit is also passionate about mentorship and Dr. Neel Chadha credits him with being a “superb mentor” throughout the project.
Shauna Vaillancourt
Executive Director
Shauna joined the tightknit Lanark Lifestyles team before we opened our doors and has over 20 years experience in various aspects of retirement residences. Having worked for both large corporations and small companies, she knew that a smaller, local company was where she wanted to be. Lanark Lifestyles shares her vision that our seniors deserve a home where Residents come first.
Shauna has always been drawn to working with seniors which she discovered when, as a teenager, she volunteered as a Candy Striper at a long-term care home.
Although born and raised in Sarnia, Shauna moved to Ottawa in 1998 and has lived in Carleton Place, since 2003. In her spare time, you can find Shauna taxiing her two teenagers around and spending a lot of time in local hockey arenas.
Lexi Bowes
Life Enrichment Manager
Lexi was born and raised in Perth and has raised her two beautiful daughters here in her hometown. Lexi knew from a young age that she wanted to work with the elderly, and when she visited her grandparents at seniors’ residences, she knew that would be a great fit for her.
Lexi studied at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall, and right after graduating, went to work at Fairview Manor in Almonte, where she stayed for almost 20 years. In search of a change that would bring her closer to home for her family, she was offered a reception position at Lanark lifestyles. Within months, she took on the role of Reception Supervisor, and then was eventually offered the Life Enrichment Coordinator position.
Lexi loves bringing smiles to all the residents with a dynamic activity program and endeavours to continue enriching their lives at Lanark Lifestyles for years to come.
Diamond Uriarte
Environmental Services Manager
Diamond is originally from the Philippines but in 1987 he immigrated to Rhode Island USA where he obtained his Degree in Architectural Drafting Technology before moving to Canada in 1992.
After settling in Ottawa, Diamond was employed with the YMCA-YWCA for 27 years, ending his stint at the Y as the Coordinator of Facility and Physical Plant Operation. Diamond managed the housekeeping and maintenance departments for all areas of the building including shelter floors, offices, health and wellness, childcare, and pool areas.
Diamond is an original employee and opened Lanark Lifestyles. He knows every corner of the building and will often be found working with his sidekick, Abu.
In his spare time, Diamond enjoys woodworking and carpentry but can also often be found fishing or boating in the nice weather and cheering on his favourite teams in hockey (Go SENS Go!) and soccer.
Lorel Brennan
Senior Living Advisor
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, I am passionate about helping seniors transition to the next stage of their lives and embrace new lifestyles that bring joy and fulfillment.
Coming from a large family and raising five children of my own, I deeply understand the importance of family and the connections that enrich our lives.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, exploring museums, and attending the theater to watch the latest films. My personal and professional experiences drive my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Empowering & Supporting Seniors
Lanark Lifestyles follows a strict code of ethics to ensure its mission of empowering, respecting and supporting seniors is upheld.
1. Provide Compassionate Care and Exceptional Service
- Care for and serve our residents with respect, compassion and dignity
- Live and breathe a “residents come first” attitude
- Develop unique in-depth resident centred care plans upon admission with routine follow up assessments
2. Foster Trust and Integrity
- Build and maintain long lasting bonds with our residents, staff and community members
- Be accountable for our actions and strive to do what is best for our residents
3. Maintain Professional Excellence
- Hold regular training sessions for our staff regarding career development and quality improvement initiatives
- Use cutting edge technology to enhance the quality of life of our residents, and provide peace of mind for their loved ones
4. Promote Healthy and Enjoyable Living
- Provide on site physiotherapy and exercise programs aimed at preventing common senior ailments and improving wellbeing
- Focus on the fun things in life including daily activities and delicious, nutritious meals made with local ingredients
5. Manage Conflict of Interest
- Educate our residents about perceived conflict of interest and about Dr. Neel Chadha’s personal and professional commitment
- Maintain autonomy for our residents in their decisions regarding medical care
- Separate Dr. Chadha from all corporate and financial decisions for Lanark Lifestyles
- Ensure daily decisions pertaining to operations are made by the executive management team and Wit Lewandowski if ownership opinion is needed
6. Be an Important Member of the Community
- Develop and maintain partnership with local businesses and allied health professionals
- Provide regular sponsorships of important local charitable causes
A Personal and Professional Commitment
from Dr. Neel Chadha
As a licensed family physician and an owner of Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence, I have a dual responsibility for the health and wellbeing of our residents.
Every resident is free to choose their own doctor, and many will want to maintain their current physician after moving to Lanark Lifestyles. However, for those in need of a doctor, I will always be available, or to consult with your existing family doctor. I will also, of course, personally oversee the care and services provided by our professional staff.
Residents of Lanark Lifestyles can be assured that they will receive the best of care, and their needs will always come first.
Dr. Neel Chadha
Join the Lanark Lifestyles Team
Lanark Lifestyles offers a range of fulfilling career opportunities, including nursing, maintenance, dining and recreation.
We are currently hiring for the following positions:
- Part-time Registered Practical Nurses
- Part-time Personal Support Workers
Interested in working at Lanark Lifestyles? Email your resume to careers@lanarklifestyles.ca.
Find Out More
Want to inquire about Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence or our Luxury Senior Apartments? Contact us today, and we will reply as soon as possible.