Perley Health breaks ground on new dementia-friendly designed intergenerational childcare facility

Perley Health broke ground on a new childcare centre in Ottawa with a first-of-its-kind program in Canada. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

Perley Health celebrated the groundbreaking for Canada’s first dementia friendly intergenerational childcare centre on Monday.

The centre at the Perley Health campus on Russell Road will link seniors, veterans and children to encourage connection, dignity and joy across generations.

“It was great socialization for Apollo. He got to interact with all the older folks, and it brought so much joy to their face. Like, you can see them lighten up,” says Koshina Brotherton, as her son participated in the intergenerational program.

Apollo has been part of the program for the past two years and Koshina says the residents are overjoyed to see their younger selves in the children.

Perley Health, in partnership with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (AFCS), says this is a milestone for them. The centre will be operated by AFCS.

“It’s really fully integrated. Where the children are going to be seen every day. They are going to interact every day, and everyone is going to benefit from this connection,” says Delphine Haslé, executive director of The Perley Health Foundation.

The residents will be spending their days with the children interacting, sharing stories and laughter through music, art and play. They will also be able to see the playground.

“I love it because where else do you get a chance to hang out with people that at 100 years old and people that are three years old at the same time,” says Michael Cooper, a Perley Health resident.

“It’s exciting to know that the kids are going to be around all the time. And I just I like the intergenerational aspect of it in general.”

Over time Apollo has grown a strong bond with Cooper. They hang out often, forming deeper connections.

“It will be partially in the building that is already constructed and then we’re adding an addition. Most importantly, it’s right at the centre, right at the hub of where the Perley residents live,” says Kim Hiscott, CEO & executive director of Andrew Fleck Children’s Services.

Cooper says Apollo reminds him of himself when he was that age and believes that helped his bond.

“The seniors will be actively engaged with the children on a very regular basis. Seniors that are able to will actually have pass cards and will be coming into the space,” says Hisscott, “The children are going to have lunch in this communal dining room.”

Perley Health is leading research on the benefits of intergenerational programming in long-term care. It has been a healthcare community in Ottawa for 128 years, improving the well-being of the senior’s population and empowers seniors and veterans to embrace life. Perley Health has supported more than 600 residents and tenants through long-term care and independent living apartments.

Established in 1911, the Andrew Fleck Children’s Services is a charity in Ottawa’s early learning and childcare, offering licensed care at over 25 Ottawa locations.

“They get to interact with the residents, and they get to see that maybe not everybody has a grandma and grandpa or close by or anything like that,” says Jonathan Brotherton. His son is part of the intergenerational program.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday morning.

“It’s going to connect people from across the generations. It’s going to be really remarkable and special,” Sutcliffe said.

“I’ve gotten to see a little glimpse of what it looks like when you have kids in the same room as older adults, as veterans and other residents here and it’s really magical and special to see them bonding with each other and talking with each other and playing together and doing fun little projects together. It’s going to be really remarkable for everyone involved.”

The childcare services, part of the Canada-wide early learning and childcare program, will cost $10 a day.

The intergenerational project has been in the works since 2019. The facility is set to open in spring 2026, serving 49 children.

“I think it’s fantastic that the person is really thinking forward about giving daycare to their employees because I know daycare is a massive hurdle for everyone. It’s very hard to find spots,” Brotherton said.

The project will serve as a model of innovation for long-term care communities nationwide, said in a release.

“We have a Bridging Generation campaign. It’s a fundraising campaign. So far, we’ve raised $1.2 million of the $2 million. Everyone can really contribute to this beautiful event,” says Hasle.

“When those two know each other’s name, that’s what success is going to be and that’s what we’re creating here,” says Hasle.

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