Ottawa’s New Intergenerational Daycare Bridges Generations

A groundbreaking daycare initiative is set to launch in Ottawa, designed to foster meaningful connections between children and seniors. Located within the Perley Health long-term care campus, this intergenerational daycare aims to integrate the lives of young children and older adults, affectionately known as “grandfriends.” The facility is expected to open in Spring 2025 and will serve as a pioneering model for similar programs across Canada.

The new daycare will allow both long-term care residents and independent living seniors to engage in various activities with the children. These activities include collage-making, baking muffins, reading stories, and enjoying meals together in the cafeteria. This collaborative effort between Andrew Fleck Children’s Services and Perley Health builds on existing intergenerational programs, providing a unique opportunity for interaction and bonding across generations.

Benefits of Intergenerational Interaction

Research conducted by Perley Health highlights the potential benefits of intergenerational interactions. Laura Dale Boucher, a 72-year-old resident of Perley’s independent living apartments, has participated in an EarlyON intergenerational playgroup for three years. She emphasizes the uplifting nature of spending time with young children, stating, “I find my place to recharge… it actually raises my spirits very considerably.”

The positive outcomes of such interactions extend beyond mere enjoyment. Alex Wood, a parent who has brought his one-year-old daughter to a similar playgroup, shared a poignant moment when a senior expressed profound happiness after engaging with the children. “It was the first night in ages that she hadn’t cried herself to sleep,” he recounted, highlighting the emotional impact of these connections.

Annie Robitaille, the Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair at the Perley Health Centre of Excellence, noted that while existing research indicates the benefits of intergenerational programs in reducing loneliness and enhancing mood, specific studies on daycare programs within long-term care facilities are limited. “This is a rare opportunity… we can actually look at some of the measures before it’s open, and then see how things change once the child-care program actually opens,” she explained.

Addressing Childcare Needs and Staff Retention

The new daycare will accommodate 49 spaces, with a significant portion reserved for staff at the long-term care home. This prioritization aims to address ongoing recruitment and retention challenges within the sector. Katrin Spencer, Perley’s director of strategy, partnerships and growth, noted that this initiative not only enhances the lives of residents but also fosters a sense of community. “If you think about a village, it also includes all generations,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of integrating childcare into long-term care.

The design of the facility caters to both children and seniors, featuring sound-absorbing materials, mobility-friendly spaces, and calming lighting. Similar initiatives, like those at Lakeshore Lodge in Toronto, have shown the power of joint activities between children and seniors, with residents expressing eagerness for upcoming events.

Kim Hiscott, CEO of Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, believes this intergenerational daycare could set a precedent in Canada. “We’re really hoping it’ll be a model,” she said, advocating for public investment in long-term care that also meets the pressing need for childcare services.

This innovative approach to childcare and senior care reflects a growing recognition of the benefits of fostering relationships between generations. As the new daycare prepares to open, it promises to enrich the lives of both children and their elderly counterparts, creating a vibrant community enriched by shared experiences and mutual support.