Intergenerational rhythms of care: Developing a space for aged care residents and middle school students

Aim: The aim of this study was to record and analyze the development of a co-located space between an aged care facility and a middle school in Australia. Background: The purposeful design and building of a communal space with an entire middle school campus on the grounds of an aged care facility is unique. The property development involved a middle school and a residential aged care home with independent facilities and a shared a purpose-built community space. Method: This paper presents an evidence informed narrative of how the school and co-located community space was conceptualized, planned and built. Through stakeholders’ narrative we capture the genesis, challenges and opportunities up to the move-in stage from the perspective of those involved. Results: The narrative and analysis of the journey in building this communal space captured how it came about as well as the benefits and challenges faced by the stakeholders involved. Key to enabling the project were stakeholder relationships and a shared vision at a crucial time for both organizations. Unexpected community opposition, lack of experience and site issues challenged the development. Conclusion: The experiences of the stakeholders in the development of a new physical space to accommodate future intergenerational programs between residents and adolescent students provide a background for others considering a communal environment. Implications for Nursing Management: While this project is unique, the learnings are widely applicable to others in managerial positions seeking to establish a permanent intergenerational space, which will enable extensive ongoing interactions between students, aged care residents, staff and community members of all ages for the benefit of all.