Perth’s first structured intergenerational care site to be constructed

Construction of an integrated aged care facility and intergenerational child care facility will begin in Perth in 2019, lead by Oryx Communities.

Whilst the concept of intergenerational learning programs, where planned and ongoing activities take place to purposefully bring together different generations in shared settings to share mutually beneficial experiences, is not a new one for early childhood education and care, the creators of The Queenslea have said that this is the first time that facility specially designed for a structured onsite program will be created in Perth.

The Queenslea will offer Assisted Living Apartments, Residential Aged Care and Intergenerational Childcare, on a single site at the Claremont-on-the-Park apartment precinct. Construction will commence in 2019 with the approved development concept including:

• Fully serviced Assisted Living Apartments for seniors.

• Intergenerational Childcare Centre for approximately 80 children.

• Residential Aged Care in a variety of suites, apartments and concessional options.

• Respite care for seniors who need temporary accommodation.

• Memory Support Day Centre providing Dementia care during the day.

• Commercial space for health-related businesses such as physiotherapy and chiropractor

Oryx Communities Director Toby Browne-Cooper said they had been keen to create a unique intergenerational program after seeing it in action when in the USA. They returned to Perth and began planning how they could incorporate this concept as a fundamental pillar of Oryx’s care philosophy.

“There is well documented research, particularly in the USA, UK and Europe that demonstrates the benefits for the community from intergenerational communities.” Mr Browne-Cooper said.

“The elderly benefit from socialising beyond their existing friendship circle. They increase their self-esteem and emotional well-being by sharing their stories, experiences and care to younger people.

“For children, there are so many natural learning experiences that come from interacting with older people who might have a different perspective from their direct families” he added.

The natural outcome of a multi-generational village is that the inclusion of children in an aged care setting strongly assists to vitalise the living environment for seniors, according to Mr Browne-Cooper.

“Many families live away from grandparents. Children and grandparents often miss this very important interaction that offers a new perspective and respect. We are hoping to replicate this on a daily basis for our residents.”

The two and three bedroom Assisted Living Apartments, will be selling off the plan from early 2019. These apartments will offer people a downsizing option but with 24-hour on-call assistance which could include meals, housekeeping and nursing care. It is expected that the full development will be completed in 2021.

More information about the development can be found on the Oryx website.