In Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® dementia care, activities are valuable opportunities for engagement — not just “crafts” or “distractions.” They’re moments that connect, calm, and build confidence. But roles take that engagement one step further. They give people a sense of purpose, belonging, and identity. The difference is subtle but profound: it’s the difference between doing something meaningful and being someone…
Small Roles, Big Impact: Montessori in Dementia Care – For people living with dementia, purpose doesn’t come from large responsibilities — it comes from small, everyday contributions that matter to their community. In long-term care and retirement residences, these roles may look simple to outsiders, but to the individual, they bring dignity, connection, and belonging. One woman takes pride in…
3 Pillars of Purposeful Dementia Engagement: A Montessori Approach to Meaningful Care ♦ It’s easy to assume that a busy resident is an engaged resident — but real connection comes from purposeful experiences, not just activity. True engagement isn’t about keeping people occupied; it’s about connecting them to who they are, what they value, and what they’re still capable…
This is a great example of how operational logistics intersect with resident experience—and how a Montessori-informed approach can turn moments of potential disruption into moments of dignity, purpose and calm. The Issue Residents become restless in the dining room before meals due to delays caused by kitchen distance and staggered food delivery. Some residents wander or display responsive behaviors…
Beyond Child’s Play: The Philosophy Behind Meaningful Engagement in Dementia Care – In dementia care, especially within long-term care settings, the line between “keeping people busy” and truly honoring their personhood can become blurred. Well-meaning staff may reach for activities that seem familiar or easy to implement—such as arts and crafts, sing-alongs, or even BINGO—but without careful reflection, these…
From One Good Idea to Many: The Power of Creative Adaptation in Dementia Care – In dementia care, it’s tempting to look for the perfect solution—the right activity, the right role, the right “thing” that will make a moment easier or a resident more engaged. But in an adapted Montessori approach, we’re reminded that there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead,…
Comfort Without Regression: Rethinking Doll Use in Dementia Care – In some dementia care settings, it’s not unusual to see residents cuddling dolls, or even being guided into changing and feeding them. Some facilities have gone so far as to create “nurseries” filled with cribs and baby dolls. While these scenes may appear comforting at first glance, they stand…
In dementia care, it’s easy to fall into the habit of filling time. We offer activities, we entertain, we redirect. But in Montessori-based care, we do something different — and far more powerful: we create real roles. Not “just for fun.” Not “just to stay busy.” Real roles are ongoing, meaningful, and visible. They mirror the kind of responsibilities…
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…
Montessori Dementia Care: Raising Quality, Meeting Standards – Across Canada, long-term care and retirement communities…
In Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® dementia care, activities are valuable opportunities for engagement — not…
