Groundbreaking Intergenerational Childcare Centre Opens at Perley Health

A new intergenerational childcare centre at Perley Health in Ottawa will bring together young children and older adults, marking a significant development in community care. Starting in the spring of 2026, the centre will provide childcare for infants and preschoolers, enabling parents like Casandra Boushey to bring their children to work. Boushey, the project lead for intergenerational services at Perley Health, expressed excitement about this innovative approach, highlighting the potential benefits for both demographics.

The childcare facility, operated by Andrew Fleck Children’s Services, is designed with accessibility in mind. It will accommodate up to 49 children and includes features like wheelchair access, an accessible kitchen, and a dementia-friendly layout. This makes it one of Canada’s first purpose-built environments catering to both young children and older adults. The centre is part of a larger initiative at Perley Health, which serves over 600 seniors and veterans in long-term care and independent living.

The integration of a childcare centre within a long-term care facility aims to foster meaningful interactions between generations. Residents will have the opportunity to engage in activities with children, such as reading and playing games. Katrin Spencer, director of the senior living portfolio and community programs at Perley, emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant community where children and seniors can thrive together. “Children should be seen and heard. It creates vibrancy,” she stated.

Research supports the benefits of intergenerational programming, showing that it can alleviate feelings of loneliness among older adults while enhancing empathy and social skills in children. Dr. Annie Robitaille, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, noted the potential for daily interactions between daycare children and residents to enrich lives across generations. Activities will include arts programs that integrate both groups, ensuring a safe and beneficial environment for all participants.

The initiative builds on existing intergenerational programs at Perley Health, which already include collaborations with local schools and ongoing music programs. Laura Dale Boucher, a 72-year-old volunteer at the centre, plans to contribute her time to the new childcare facility. She described her experiences as a “hub of happiness,” highlighting the joy brought by children to the residents.

Staff members at Perley believe that having high-quality childcare on-site will enhance workplace culture and support parents like Boushey. “Knowing we are driving in together and leaving together is a huge thing,” Boushey remarked. This model not only supports families but also enhances the sense of community within Perley Health.

As the opening date approaches, the centre is poised to serve as a model for other long-term care homes seeking to incorporate childcare into their programming. The initiative reflects a growing international movement toward intergenerational living, aiming to bridge the gap between age groups and create supportive communities. By embedding childcare within a long-term care facility, Perley Health is not just innovating in care but also enriching the lives of its residents and the young ones who will soon join them.