New Intergenerational Childcare Centre Launches at Perley Health

Perley Health in Ottawa is set to introduce a groundbreaking intergenerational childcare centre, aiming to unite young children and older adults in a collaborative environment. This innovative initiative will allow parents like Casandra Boushey to bring their children to work, fostering relationships that benefit both generations. Boushey, who will return from maternity leave next year, is excited for her daughter, Serena, to be among the first children enrolled in this unique program.

The childcare centre will be operated by Andrew Fleck Children’s Services and is designed specifically for the needs of infants and toddlers, as well as older adult volunteers. With a capacity for 49 infants and preschoolers, the facility will be one of Canada’s first purpose-built environments dedicated to enhancing intergenerational interactions. It will feature wheelchair-accessible spaces, an accessible kitchen, and a dementia-friendly design.

Perley Health, one of the largest long-term care homes in the province, currently houses over 600 seniors and veterans across its facilities. Alongside offering clinical and therapeutic services, the centre will serve as a research hub for frailty-informed care, ensuring that best practices are implemented in the childcare programme. All residents will be invited to engage in activities with the children, integrating them into the daily life of the centre.

Katrin Spencer, director of the senior living portfolio and community programs at Perley Health, emphasized the importance of incorporating children into the community. “Children should be seen and heard. It creates vibrancy,” she stated. The centre’s location within the heart of the facility is intentional, allowing it to become an integral part of the community’s daily life.

Scheduled to open in Spring 2026, the childcare centre aligns with a growing international trend that focuses on the benefits of intergenerational programming. Research indicates that such initiatives can alleviate loneliness and isolation among older adults while enhancing empathy and social skills for children. According to Dr. Annie Robitaille, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, the daily interactions between the children and residents will be designed to be safe and beneficial for both groups, including those living with dementia.

Perley Health has a history of successful intergenerational initiatives, including music programs and collaborations with local high schools. Laura Dale Boucher, a 72-year-old volunteer at the facility, describes her experiences as part of a “hub of happiness.” She believes that the joy brought by children significantly uplifts the atmosphere for everyone involved.

The positive outcomes of past intergenerational programming at Perley have been profound, according to Michelle Proulx, manager of therapeutic recreation and creative arts. She noted improvements in the confidence of older adults who regularly interact with children, stating, “It gives them that sense of purpose.”

Having high-quality childcare on-site not only supports parents but also builds on the community culture at Perley Health. Boushey highlights the convenience of having care available while she works, expressing her enthusiasm for the centre’s opening.

As Perley Health prepares for the launch of this innovative childcare centre, it aims to serve as a model for other long-term care facilities looking to integrate similar programmes into their services. The initiative promises to enrich the lives of both children and seniors, reinforcing the idea that bringing generations together can create a vibrant, supportive community.