Happier Residents, Happier Homes – Key Benefits of Non-Drug Approaches in Long-Term Care Homes – The core philosophy behind non-drug approaches is that people with dementia can still experience joy, purpose, and dignity when they are treated as individuals with unique needs and capabilities. When long-term care homes shift focus from managing behaviors with medications to engaging residents in…
Why Life History Matters: Understanding the ‘Why’ Behind the Actions of Individuals with Dementia Caring for individuals with dementia involves much more than addressing immediate medical needs. While medications and therapies play crucial roles in managing symptoms, understanding the deeper, personal histories of those with dementia can unlock meaningful and compassionate care. For caregivers—whether professional or family—it’s essential to…
Addressing the Misconception about the Adapted Montessori Method: Are We Treating Older Adults as Children? One potential concern when discussing the application of Montessori principles to dementia care is the perception that leads to the question: are we treating older adults as children? This misunderstanding can arise from a superficial comparison of the methods used in Montessori education for…
Why Montessori Teachers for Children Should Learn About the Adapted Montessori Method for Older People with Dementia: Montessori Transcends Age – Montessori education, renowned for its child-centric approach, has long been celebrated for fostering independence, curiosity, and a love for learning in children. Montessori transcends age and this same philosophy has been adapted to create a transformative approach to…
Spotlight on Dr. Camp – Dr. Camp holds a Ph.D. in Psychology. His academic background laid the foundation for his later work in cognitive and developmental psychology, with a particular focus on aging. His most significant contribution is his adaptation of the Montessori method for use with older adults, particularly those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The Montessori method, originally developed…
Adapted Montessori – A Social Prescription – A social prescription is a way for healthcare professionals, such as doctors or nurses, to refer patients to non-medical services or activities that can improve their health and well-being. Instead of – or in addition to – prescribing medication, a healthcare provider might “prescribe” participation in community-based activities or services that address…
The Power of Music: Connecting with Elderly Individuals with Dementia Music has a profound ability to evoke emotions and memories, a power that extends to individuals living with dementia. As dementia advances, cognitive functions may decline, but music can often cut through the haze of memory loss, bringing moments of clarity, joy, and connection. In North America, where the…
“Luxury Senior Living” often misses the mark in memory care. Here’s why. By Evan Shelton, PhD Center for Applied Research in Dementia – April 2024 Imagine you’re embarking on a long-anticipated vacation. Maybe you’ve been looking forward to this vacation for months or even years! After getting the travel out of the way, the first day feels like paradise….
Creating Person-Centered Activities – There are several things to consider when creating person-centered activities for individuals with cognitive impairments, such as dementia. It requires thoughtful planning and adaptation to ensure they are engaging, meaningful, accessible, and beneficial. Here’s what we need to consider when planning for person-centered activities for people living with dementia in any setting: Understanding Individual Preferences…
We are providing the majority of Alzheimer’s care at home. And, although we are always hopeful, the future of the disease shows no sign of slowing down at this point, and there is a growing need for home care partners to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective care in a home setting. “Eighty percent…
In memory care, one of the most common breakdowns is social recognition. The breakdown…
This may be uncomfortable to read—and even more uncomfortable to recognize in ourselves. It’s…
