Langley Lodge won't be resting on its laurels, even if the staff and board have earned them.

The facility that provides complex care for seniors has received a score of 420 out of 420 on its accreditation.

The accreditation with exemplary standing is a rare accomplishment.

The accolades come from Accreditation Canada.

Facilities such as care homes and hospitals can undergo such examinations that look into all aspects of the operation.

At the same time Langley Lodge was undergoing its massive redevelopment and expansion, the board and staff were taking part in the accreditation process. Despite the upheaval of construction, the lodge still had to meet national standards.

"I've been through accreditation before, and [this was] at least as hard," said board president Terry Metcalfe.

The lodge opted to pursue accreditation for the first time in 2009. Metcalfe said the assessment included recommendations for areas of improvement which the lodge took to heart.

"I think the main advantage is you get the opinion of someone who has seen other facilities," Metcalfe explained.

A team from Accreditation Canada visited the facility for three days in May, talking to the board, staff, families, volunteers and members of the community. That visit comes after the accreditation experts wade through mountains of paperwork for a facility.

Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets standards for quality and safety in health care and accredits health organizations in Canada and around the world.

Langley Lodge is operated by the Langley Care Society, a nonprofit organization established in Langley in 1974.

At a reception July 24 to celebrate the high score, City Mayor Peter Fassbender said he was not surprised at the high score.

"This is a place with a heart, and a heart to help people." he said.

Township Mayor Jack Froese praised the facility for being open to change.

"You continue to improve," he said. "You continue to work on better ways of doing things."

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com