Enables Individuals with Dementia to Maximize Preserved Abilities
MORE INFOEngagement in Meaningful Adapted Activities has Proven Results
MORE INFOIn 1995, Dr. Cameron J. Camp, PhD, a psychologist, modified Dr. Maria Montessori’s educational method to suit elderly individuals with cognitive impairments, focusing on normalization. This adaptation is now known as the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® for dementia care or the adapted Montessori method. Learn more about the method and the adaptation here.
The Montessori Dementia Center is the authorized licensee and training partner of Dr. Cameron Camp and the Center for Applied Research in Dementia (CARD). Learn more about implementing the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® in your community.
How to Encourage Residents to Participate in Activities – Use These 8 Practical Tactics Getting residents involved in activities can greatly improve their quality of life, but it often requires a thoughtful, patient approach. Here are 8 practical tactics staff can use to gently encourage participation: >>> Understand Individual Interests Start by learning what makes each resident tick. Ask about their…
Creating Dementia-Friendly Committees Long-term care homes and community organizations have a wonderful opportunity to foster collaboration, purpose, and inclusion by creating dementia-friendly committees. This initiative not only enhances the lives of residents with dementia but also builds stronger bonds among staff and non-dementia residents. Here’s how you can create a committee that welcomes and incorporates everyone meaningfully. Step 1:…
Understanding Fear and Paranoia in People Living with Dementia – Fear and paranoia in people living with dementia can sometimes appear irrational or unfounded, but there are often underlying reasons that, with some detective work, can be identified and addressed. While these behaviors may not always stem from unmet needs, they often arise from the brain’s altered ability to…
Case for Environmental Changes Benefiting All Residents in a Senior Residence – Environmental changes tailored to dementia patients are not exclusive—they align with the principles of universal design, benefiting all residents by enhancing safety, comfort, social engagement, and overall well-being. Creating an environment tailored to dementia patients offers holistic benefits that extend to all residents, not just those with…
Why Understanding ‘Why’ Matters- In Alzheimer’s and dementia care understanding the “why” behind behaviors is not just important—it’s transformative. Here’s why understanding ‘why’ matters: Whether you’re a caregiver on the front lines, a manager coordinating staff, or an owner overseeing operations, this insight forms the foundation of compassionate, effective, and sustainable care. Responsive behaviors like agitation, aggression, or withdrawal…
Using common coping mechanisms to handle responsive challenges – When caregivers are overworked, tired, stressed and, possibly, untrained their responses to responsive behaviors from individuals in their care may not be ideal. That doesn’t mean they don’t mean well, but they may have difficulty applying the right strategies. Here are some common coping mechanisms they may use to handle…
Beyond Bingo! Creating joyful, purposeful moments for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia goes far beyond bingo. In dementia care, one of the greatest challenges is finding activities that truly enrich the lives of individuals while meeting their unique cognitive and physical needs. Too often, activity schedules are filled with games like Bingo—an enjoyable pastime, yes, but one…
Repetition: A Foundational Tool in Learning – Repetition is a foundational tool in learning, and this principle is especially valuable in dementia care. For individuals with dementia, the act of repeating certain activities and routines goes beyond mere habit; it plays a critical role in helping them maintain their remaining abilities and, in some cases, even relearn skills that…
The Essential Role and Value of Activity in Life: Why Staying Engaged Matters for Everyone, Especially Those with Dementia Activity is a fundamental component of life that goes beyond physical fitness. When we think of “activity,” we often picture cardio workouts or physical exercise, but activity is much more than that. It encompasses physical, mental, social, and emotional engagement—essential…
Touch: A Vital Connection in Human Health and Well-being… Touch is one of our most fundamental senses, essential from the moment we are born. Research shows that touch, a vital connection, has profound effects on our mental, emotional, and physical health, affecting everything from mood regulation to stress relief and even social bonding. The skin is the largest organ…
How to Encourage Residents to Participate in Activities – Use These 8 Practical Tactics Getting…
Creating Dementia-Friendly Committees Long-term care homes and community organizations have a wonderful opportunity to…
