New Intergenerational Childcare Centre to Open at Perley Health

A new intergenerational childcare centre is set to open at Perley Health in Ottawa in spring 2026, marking a significant step forward in integrating childcare with long-term care. When Casandra Boushey returns from maternity leave, her baby, Serena, will be among the first children enrolled in this innovative program designed to foster connections between young children and older adults.

Boushey, who leads intergenerational services at Perley Health, expressed her enthusiasm for the centre. She has been part of the planning team for several years and views this initiative as a vital resource not just for her family, but for the entire community. The centre will be operated by Andrew Fleck Children’s Services and is strategically located within the long-term care facility to encourage interaction between the two age groups.

The new centre is designed with thoughtful features to accommodate both infants and older adults, including wheelchair-accessible spaces and a dementia-friendly environment. It will have the capacity for 49 infants and preschool children, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind in Canada.

More than 600 seniors and veterans currently reside at Perley Health, which is one of the largest long-term care homes in the province. The facility provides a range of clinical, recreational, and therapeutic services to its residents, as well as housing a research centre focused on frailty-informed care. The involvement of researchers has been instrumental in shaping the daycare’s vision.

Intergenerational programming is a growing trend that aims to break down barriers between generations. At Perley Health, all residents can engage in activities with the children, such as reading and playing games. Boushey believes this interaction is crucial for enhancing the atmosphere of the facility. According to Katrin Spencer, director of the senior living portfolio and community programs, “Children should be seen and heard. It creates vibrancy.”

The integration of childcare within the long-term care environment is designed to reflect a community spirit. Spencer noted that while Perley Health already has many elements of a village, such as housing, care, and food services, the inclusion of a childcare centre will further enhance the community feel. “It will really become part of daily life,” she added.

Research supports the benefits of intergenerational programming, indicating that such initiatives can reduce loneliness and isolation among older adults while fostering empathy and social skills in children. Dr. Annie Robitaille, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, highlighted the potential for daily activities to enhance the well-being of both children and seniors. “The idea is that those will be fully integrated in ways that will be beneficial and safe for younger and older participants, including those living with dementia,” she explained.

This initiative builds on existing intergenerational programs at Perley Health, which include music sessions and collaborations with local schools. Laura Dale Boucher, a 72-year-old volunteer, described the experience of interacting with children as a “hub of happiness.” She plans to volunteer at the new childcare centre, emphasizing the positive impact these interactions have on both children and seniors.

The benefits of intergenerational initiatives extend beyond personal satisfaction. Michelle Proulx, manager of therapeutic recreation and creative arts at Perley Health, observed significant improvements in the confidence of older adults participating in these programs. “People who would not normally engage just blossom in these groups,” she stated.

Perley Health officials believe that providing high-quality childcare on-site will enhance the culture of the facility and offer significant benefits for staff and residents alike. For Boushey, having childcare available at work is a considerable advantage. “Knowing we are driving in together and leaving together is a huge thing. I am really excited about it,” she said.

As the opening date approaches, anticipation builds around how this groundbreaking program will impact the lives of both children and seniors, offering a model for similar initiatives across other long-term care facilities.