Veteran Impact

Veterans and the Intergenerational Early Learning Centre

Ongoing Centre of Excellence research aims to maximize the positive impacts on Veterans of the Andrew Fleck Children's Services Intergenerational Early Learning Centre at Perley Health. The Centre provides a licenced childcare to 49 infants and toddlers, along with opportunities for Perley Health residents and tenants to play and interact with young children. The combination of licenced childcare with intergenerational programming in a long-term care home represents a significant innovation. To maximize the potential benefits of the project for Veterans, a series of Centre of Excellence studies is underway. Support Our Troops, a registered charity, is funding this research.

The first phase of research included interviews and co-design workshops involving Veterans and Seniors who live at Perley Health, along with families, volunteers, parents and staff. Approximately half of the more than three dozen participants in the workshops and interviews either served in the Canadian Armed Forces at some point in their careers or had a close family member who served.

“For researchers, the Intergenerational Early Learning Centre represents an opportunity to gather the evidence and guidance that other homes need to implement similar projects,” says Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence.

The first phase of research included interviews and co-design workshops involving Veterans and Seniors who live at Perley Health, along with families, volunteers, parents and staff. Approximately half of the more than three dozen participants in the workshops and interviews either served in the Canadian Armed Forces at some point in their careers or had a close family member who served.