Health · Healthcare & Policy · 12 hrs ago
Ottawa centre brings daycare children together with seniors in long-term care
Perley Health in Ottawa has opened a daycare inside its campus for seniors, including veterans in long-term care.
Since July, 49 children have attended, with opportunities to meet and spend time with residents.
The centre is designed to make it easier for seniors and children to share space, including residents who use walkers or wheelchairs.
Its goal is to build community and help reduce loneliness among older people.
Research has found benefits from bringing generations together, but there is limited evidence about placing child care inside a long-term care facility.
A University of Ottawa researcher is leading a study to assess the program’s effects on residents’ mental health and on staff.
The research is continuing as the centre operates.
Perley Health in Ottawa has opened Canada’s first purpose-built intergenerational early learning centre inside a long-term care campus.
The centre began welcoming children in July, bringing 49 daycare children into contact with seniors and veterans.
The project aims to build community and combat loneliness through interactions between children and “grandfriends.”
Researchers are studying the interactions and evaluating the program, including its possible effects on seniors’ mental health.
The centre’s design includes extra space for residents using walkers or wheelchairs and sound-absorbing materials for residents with dementia.
- Who
- Perley Health and Andrew Fleck Children’s Services partnered on the centre. It brings daycare children together with seniors and veterans.
- What
- A purpose-built intergenerational early learning centre opened at Perley Health.
- When
- It began welcoming children in July. The year is not stated.
- Where
- Perley Health in Ottawa, Canada.
- Why
- The project aims to foster community and combat loneliness among seniors.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The centre began welcoming children.
Resident Roly Lalonde played with toddler Daa-Sha at the daycare.
- Location
- Perley Health, Ottawa
- Children
- 49 attend the daycare
- Opening
- Began welcoming children in July
- Partnership
- Perley Health and Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
- Resident
- Roly Lalonde is 103 years old
What people are saying
It’s beautiful.
We want to bring generations together and communities together,
Does it actually decrease loneliness? Also, what impact does it have on staff?
Sources
Related news
Paris court upholds limits on treatment for toddler with severe brain injuries
109 Queensland practices express interest in veterans’ care platform
Texas Agency Proposes Ending Children's Autism Program
Report warns ageing population is straining Tasmania's emergency departments
608 patients spent more than 24 hours in ACT emergency departments in 2023-24
South Korean surgery company cancels Sydney event after questions
Emergency doctors warn Australia is unprepared for rising numbers of older patients
Abortions in the Netherlands rose slightly to nearly 40,000 in 2025
India asks states to ensure hospitals display service rates
Italy faces a growing shortage of general surgeons
NYU Langone opens 28,000-square-foot imaging center in Manhattan
