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…
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…
Serif vs. Sans-Serif Fonts: Why Font Choice Matters in Dementia Care When we communicate with people living with dementia, every detail counts — even the font we choose. The shape of letters, the spacing between words, and the overall clarity of printed materials can impact whether a message is helpful or frustrating. If you’re creating signage, labels, visual cues,…
When all is said and done, try to remember that getting an early diagnosis is gearing up, not giving up. Loving Them Well: A Gentle Guide for a Husband or Wife Noticing Change You may have noticed that your spouse is becoming more forgetful—names slip away, routines change, maybe s/he repeats stories. You’ve chosen to meet them with patience…
Here are the 9 Dimensions of Human Well-Being in Dementia… Physical –Supporting comfort, mobility, and bodily health to help the person feel at ease in their body. Safety –Creating an environment where the person feels secure, protected, and free from harm or confusion. Spiritual –Honoring the person’s beliefs, values, or sense of purpose to foster peace and inner strength….
It starts like any other day. You’ve got your routine down. Breakfast trays are being passed, morning care is underway, and you know which residents need a little extra time and who’s usually ready to go. You’ve already helped someone find their missing slipper, calmed another who was looking for her husband, and you’re halfway through assisting a resident with…
Why LTC and Home Care Providers Should be Adopting Montessori Principles—and Why They Haven’t Despite the well-documented benefits of adopting Montessori principles in dementia care, many long-term care (LTC) and home care providers have not integrated them into their practices. This is puzzling, as the approach aligns with person-centered care, improves resident well-being, and enhances caregiver satisfaction. So why…
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…
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…
