Intergenerational Playgroup and Childcare Update

In the spring of 2023, Perley Health began to regularly welcome a much younger age group. Twice a week, children accompanied by a parent or guardian participate in two-hour playgroup sessions alongside seniors who live at Perley Health. The intergenerational playgroup is part of a larger partnership with Andrew Fleck Children's Services, one of Ontario's oldest and most diversified family-support organizations. A not-for-profit, the organization specializes in childcare and early learning.

“From the moment our discussions started, we could see that our two organizations had much in common,” says Kim Hiscott, Executive Director of Andrew Fleck Children's Services. “We may serve different age groups, but both organizations strive to improve the health and well-being of the people we serve.”

While the number of playgroup participants varies, each session typically involves 5 or 6 children and a similar number of residents and tenants. An Early Childhood Educator facilitates each session, while a Personal Support Worker tends to the needs of residents.

“I love being a part of it,” says Laura Boucher, a tenant who participates regularly. “It fills my heart with joy and makes me feel better.”

While a few retirement residences in Australia run intergenerational playgroups, Perley Health's represents the first of its kind at a long-term care home in Canada.

“There is evidence in the scientific literature documenting benefits to health and well-being for seniors participating in programs like these,” says Katrin Spencer, Perley Health's Director, Strategy, Partnership and Growth. “Our Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care is evaluating the program.”

The partnership with Andrew Fleck is also behind a larger initiative: a licenced childcare centre at Perley Health that would accommodate up to 49 children. Details have yet to be finalized, but construction could begin next summer.

“I would love to have my child in an onsite program while I'm working,” says Amberlee Gray-Henderson, a Food and Nutrition Manager at Perley Health who participates regularly in the intergenerational playgroup. “It would ideal for our family and I know that my child benefits from spending time with seniors.”

Once the childcare centre is up and running, the partners plan to continue the intergenerational playgroup.

In November, Perley Health began to pilot a similar intergenerational program under a partnership with Christie Lake Kids, a non-profit that provides year-round community and camp programs to children and youth from low-income households. During each weekly two-hour session, approximately six youth and a similar number of seniors share a meal and participate in musical activities. Based on the success of the initial sessions, the partners hope to extend the pilot project.

Dorothy Ford starts her week with a laugh with a mother and daughter.