We always encourage caregivers to say “yes” as often as possible. And there’s a reason for that… When the Chicks Came to Visit: The surprising power of a thoughtful “yes.” It began with a simple suggestion: “What if we brought baby chicks into the home?” The idea came from a staff member who wasn’t focused on policies or paperwork….
Polypharmacy — the use of multiple medications at the same time, often five or more — is one of the most pressing challenges in dementia care today. For residents living in long-term care or retirement communities, polypharmacy is not unusual. Many have multiple chronic conditions: diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, insomnia. Each condition can add another pill to the daily…
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…
Where the Money Is Made with Montessori Inspired Lifestyle®: The Canadian Business Case You Can’t Ignore Let’s be direct. Running a long-term care home or retirement residence in Canada is not only about care delivery and compliance. It is about business survival in an increasingly scrutinized and competitive environment. Yes, you are already tracking clinical KPIs like falls, hospitalizations,…
Leading a long-term care or assisted living organization—especially one supporting people with dementia—means balancing mission with metrics. While quality care is the goal, success is measured through hard Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Yet beneath those numbers lie persistent, complex challenges that drain leadership energy, strain resources, and impact the overall care experience. Below are some pressing pain points faced…
As the needs of people living with dementia grow more complex, long-term care homes and memory support communities continue to search for methods that go beyond routine care and compliance. A new systematic review confirms broad benefits in residential aged care and compelling evidence that Montessori-based programs can deliver. The goal? Engaged residents Empowered staff Dignified, person-directed support. A…
Case Study: The Transformation of Evergreen Manor* – Let’s delve into the transformation of Evergreen Manor, beginning with the background. Evergreen Manor, a mid-sized senior care residence in the Midwest, had been grappling with several challenges, including high staff turnover, frequent incidents of responsive behaviors among residents with dementia, and concerns about its financial sustainability. The facility operated on a…
Henry Thompson had always been a man of purpose. A retired schoolteacher with a mind as sharp as his wit, he had spent decades shaping young lives, filling classrooms with laughter and learning. His charm, warm smile, and love for jazz made him the life of every gathering. But life, with all its twists and turns, had a different…
Challenges of the Home Model in Dementia Care Residences While the home model presents several challenges, particularly in larger care facilities, these obstacles can be effectively overcome with the right approach and training. One of the most powerful tools for achieving success in this model is the Montessori Method for the Cognitively Impaired. When staff are properly trained in…
Considerations and Steps for Implementing Person-Centered Care for People with Dementia – Caregivers can effectively implement person-centered care, respecting the individuality of each person with dementia and enhancing their quality of life by following these steps… Step #1: Work to understand the individual so you can tailor care to their unique needs and preferences. Learn about the person’s…
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…
