Early learning centre embedded in retirement village for ultimate intergenerational experience

Untitled design - 2023-11-16T112438.025
Retirement village resident Jeannette Porritt with Montessori director Tina Yiannicou and young students. [Source: The Advertiser]

This Adelaide childcare centre is built inside a retirement village, creating a real-life version of the hit show Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds!

As a partnership between not-for-profit aged care provider, ECH and SA Montessori, Echoes Montessori Early Learning Centre is believed to be the only one of its kind in Australia, purposefully built as an “intergenerational village” inside the ECH retirement facility.

Barbara Langford and her daughter Jessica operate the learning facility and said since it’s establishment in early 2022, the benefits have been huge.

“Things are happening every day […] children will daily wave and call out to residents on their balconies or meet them in the garden,” Ms Langford told The Advertiser.

Watch more about the intergenerational initiative!

Echoes Montessori is partnering with Torrens University on a research project to investigate how the concept could be broadened and incorporated in future community planning.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Too soon to assess providers’ readiness for new standards

The head of the aged care quality regulator has said it’s too soon to tell how well providers are adapting to the new quality standards, but she said some providers are “kicking goals” while others are “less mature in their understanding”. Commissioner of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, Janet Anderson, has told those... Read More

Move more, think sharper: How physical activity boosts brain health in ageing

A new UniSA study reveals that moderate-to-vigorous exercise improves memory, focus, and brain speed in older adults. And the best part? Even small changes can make a big difference. Read More

What happens if you want access to voluntary assisted dying but your nursing home won’t let you?

Voluntary assisted dying is now lawful in all Australian states. There is also widespread community support for it. Yet some residential institutions, such as hospices and aged care facilities, are obstructing access despite the law not specifying whether they have the legal right to do so. Read More
Advertisement