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…
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…
Successfully Offering Fail-safe Activities to People Living with Alzheimer’s and Other Types of Dementia – When caring for individuals with dementia, providing meaningful and engaging activities is crucial to their quality of life. Adapted activities not only offer a sense of purpose but also help stimulate cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being. However, finding and offering fail-safe…
The Future of Person-Centered Care: Move Beyond Basic Needs to Meaningful Engagement in Long-Term Care – In long-term care (LTC) settings, meeting residents’ daily needs—such as nutrition, hygiene, and medication—has long been the focus. However, as our understanding of holistic care evolves, it becomes clear that these basic needs are only part of the equation. To truly improve the…
In the moderate stage of dementia, people often remain aware of what’s happening both…
Leading a long-term care or assisted living organization—especially one supporting people with dementia—means balancing…
