A new intergenerational home in Lucan is bringing together seniors, people living with dementia and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities under one roof. Highview Lucan officially opened its doors to the community Tuesday, with residents expected to begin moving in September. The 53-suite private residence combines retirement living, specialized dementia care and supported independent living for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, autism and other forms of neurodiversity. The building is not new to the community. It was formerly home to Jake’s House, a residence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that closed abruptly last year. Highview later assumed control of the property and has transformed it into its new intergenerational home. Highview president Joy Birch said the goal is to create a home where people of different ages and abilities can live independently while also having opportunities to connect. “It’s an intergenerational model of home for people who have an intellectual disability, developmental disability, autism, any type of neurodiversity,” Birch said. “Also, seniors retirement and dementia care, all of that in the one home.” Residents will have different living spaces and individualized supports but remain part of the same broader community. “It’s really going to create a space where people of different ages and abilities and backgrounds can come together and be at home and share time and meals and experiences,” Birch said. The facility includes private suites for seniors and adults in supported independent living. Residents living with dementia will receive 24-hour support in Owens Cottage, a secure second-floor living area designed specifically for their needs. Highview says the approach is focused on allowing residents to maintain their own routines and independence while receiving support when needed. “The care or support is going to be individualized based on every single person that lives here,” Birch said. “Because you know what? We’re human.” The concept was also developed in response to families of adults with developmental disabilities who told Highview they wanted their loved ones to have a home of their own, greater independence and opportunities to build friendships. Highview founder Ross Chapin says the company hopes the Lucan model can eventually be replicated in other communities. “Our hope is that as the future unfolds, we’ll be able to create villages not just here in Lucan, but in other communities where similar populations can come together to share in each other’s lives, which is the important thing,” Chapin said. Highview says it believes the Lucan facility is the first private intergenerational home of its kind in Canada. The company also wants residents to become part of the broader Lucan community, with opportunities to shop, work, volunteer and take part in local activities. Highview currently operates homes in London and Kitchener and has more than two decades of experience supporting people living with dementia and cognitive change.
