Residents, Community, and Sector Impact

For All Ages

As evidence of the benefits of intergenerational initiatives has grown in recent years, so too has the number of these initiatives at Perley Health. EntourAGE, for instance, operates at a total of seven LTC homes (including Perley Health), three retirement residences and one adult day program. Under EntourAGE, older adults, including those living with dementia, regularly interact one-on-one with high school, college and university student volunteers.

University of Ottawa student Shalini Gangapersad participated in EntourAGE at Perley Health for more than two months.

“I enjoy it very much,” says Gangapersad. “It's been nice getting to know the resident I've been matched with and to spend time with her. Part of my studies include neuroscience and this program helps me to learn more about the practical realities of dementia.”

Former Perley Health resident Christine (Chris) O'Brien, who passed away last year at age 91, participated in the program for the last two years of her life.

“My mom lived with dementia and loved the visits,” says daughter Anne-Marie O'Brien. “She always wanted to be around people but was reluctant to participate in group activities. The regular one-on-one visits were perfect for her. They also benefitted me, because I felt less pressure to visit her on the days that a student visited.”

A second example is the Caring for Others Program, a credit course for Grade 10 students at Immaculata High School, located a few kilometres from Perley Health. During the spring 2026 semester, 22 students devoted two hours a week to participating in activities with Perley residents.

“It is special to know that even small gestures, such as a smile or a conversation, can brighten someone's day and make them feel valued and cared for,” says Immaculata student Rama Abdul-Rahman. “I also appreciate the chance to give back to those who have contributed so much to our community.”

Other relevant programs include the weekly Intergenerational Playgroup and Youth Volunteering. Volunteers play a vital role in all of these programs; so too, does Perley Health's Volunteer Services team.

Maeve and her grandmother Keitha interact with Senior Living tenant Laura Boucher at Intergenerational Playgroup.