Ottawa Launches Unique Intergenerational Daycare to Bridge Generations

A new intergenerational daycare is set to open in Ottawa, designed to foster connections between children and seniors referred to as “grandfriends.” This unique facility, situated within a long-term care campus operated by Perley Health, aims to create a nurturing environment where young and old can interact in meaningful ways. The daycare is expected to open its doors in the spring of 2025 and will allow both residents of the long-term care home and those living independently to engage in activities such as collage-making, baking, and storytelling.

This initiative, a collaboration between Andrew Fleck Children’s Services and Perley Health, builds on existing models of intergenerational care. Research from Perley Health indicates that such programs can significantly benefit both age groups. Activities will take place in a space designed for accessibility, featuring sound-absorbing materials and dementia-friendly elements, such as calm lighting and clear sightlines.

A resident of Perley’s independent living apartments, Laura Dale Boucher, has experienced firsthand the positive effects of intergenerational interactions. She has participated in an EarlyON playgroup for three years. “Spending time with the little ones and reading to them… is very uplifting and rejuvenating,” Boucher stated. She noted that participants, even those with cognitive challenges, appear to benefit from interactions with children.

Alex Wood and his wife have also witnessed the impact of these interactions on older adults. Their one-year-old daughter participates in a similar playgroup, and Wood shared a poignant moment when a caregiver reported that a senior resident had not cried herself to sleep after engaging with the children. “Even those who might be in the later stages of dementia… it’s still really powerful just having that interaction,” Wood remarked.

Research and Development of Intergenerational Programs

The Perley Health Centre of Excellence is studying the effects of this new daycare model, with an emphasis on its potential to reduce loneliness and improve mood among seniors. Annie Robitaille, the Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair at the Centre, stated, “Intergenerational programming has demonstrated positive outcomes, but specific research on child-care programs in long-term care is limited.” The new daycare presents a unique opportunity to analyze its effects before and after its opening.

While the daycare will offer only 49 spaces, priority will be given to staff members at the long-term care facility. This decision reflects broader challenges within the sector regarding recruitment and retention of caregivers. Katrin Spencer, Perley’s director of strategy, partnerships, and growth, emphasized the importance of integrating all generations within the community. “If you think about a village, it also includes all generations. This is really our idea at Perley Health — provide a quality of life with purpose and joy,” Spencer said.

Models for Future Intergenerational Childcare

The initiative in Ottawa is not isolated; several long-term care homes, including Lakeshore Lodge in Toronto, have also integrated daycare services. Staff there have resumed joint activities with children post-pandemic, which include holiday celebrations and creative projects. Manager Mark Lundrigan noted that such interactions help maintain residents’ connections to the community and enhance their sense of purpose. “This is an opportunity for them to provide reciprocal care, to give back and help others,” he stated.

Kim Hiscott, CEO of Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, expressed her belief that this new daycare will serve as a model for similar facilities across Canada. “We’re really hoping it’ll highlight that any public investment in long-term care should include child care,” she said, emphasizing the necessity of addressing the dual needs of child care and elder care in a cohesive manner.

As the launch date approaches, the anticipation surrounding the daycare underscores a growing recognition of the importance of intergenerational relationships. The initiative not only aims to enrich the lives of both children and seniors but also serves as a potential blueprint for future intergenerational programs nationwide, demonstrating the profound benefits of fostering connections across age groups.