Should we label a unit or area Cognitive Care or Memory Care? “Cognitive Care” may be a better term than “Memory Care” and we’ll give you some reasons why. First of all, dementia is not primarily a memory condition. While memory loss is often the most visible early symptom, dementia affects multiple cognitive functions, including: attention judgment problem-solving language…
Leadership Systems, Care Consistency, and the “Invisible Hours”. In every residence, care unfolds across many hours — some when leadership presence is visible and immediate, and others when it is quieter and less direct. This is a normal feature of organizational life, not a shortcoming. Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® does not assume — or require — that leadership be present at…
“Montessori doesn’t focus on managing behaviors — it shapes the conditions around them.” At first glance, the statement sounds bold—some may even say unrealistic. After all, anyone who works in dementia care knows this reality: there are moments when behaviors must be managed. For safety, dignity, immediacy. So why say this at all? Because this perspective invites…
The following scenario illustrates how two well-intentioned approaches to care can lead to the same visible outcome yet create very different experiences for the resident. Both approaches aim to respect the fact that the resident prefers blue and both aim to complete care efficiently. What differs is how choice is supported in the moment — and whether the resident remains…
The following observations are drawn from real-world long-term care operations and reflect why Resident Choice often erodes over time — even in well-run organizations. Why Resident Choice Breaks Down in Long-Term Care Most residences do not reject Resident Choice. They lose it through system pressures, not intent. Operational pressure replaces relational care Tight schedules, staffing shortages, and task lists…
Understanding why December feels different allows teams to anticipate needs, reduce distress, and create calmer, more meaningful moments during a month that can be both joyful and overwhelming. Below you’ll find 10 reasons December stands apart — and why caregiving requires a slightly different lens this time of year. December brings a unique rhythm to long-term care — one…
DECEMBER VISITOR CENTER KITS – Montessori-Inspired Christmas Time Kits for Family Visits Designed so families can have purposeful, calm, and meaningful visits without needing staff direction.All kits are dementia-friendly and low-prep. Setting up your December Visitor Center Location & Environment A clean, uncluttered table Two comfortable chairs (or more depending on space) A warm lamp or soft lighting (avoid…
The myth that you need new furniture, renovations, or technology before you can deliver true person-centred care has stalled culture change across the sector—and the delay is costing homes far more than the actual work ever would. Is the “myth” costing LTC millions? Yes — and here’s why. When leaders believe person-centred care or Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® requires: major…
How Dementia-Inclusive Resident Committees Bring Ministry Standards to Life Across long-term care and assisted-living communities, the regulatory message is clear: resident engagement, choice, and inclusion are not optional. Every Ministry standard — from person-centered care to responsive-behavior prevention — points toward one goal: creating environments where people truly live, not just reside. Many homes, eager to demonstrate compliance, focus…
The Experience of Being a “Passive Recipient of Care” – In long-term care and dementia care, the phrase “passive recipient of care” describes someone who receives help rather than actively taking part in their own daily life. It’s a technical term — but for the person, it can feel like being done to instead of being involved. When care becomes something delivered instead of shared, the person’s sense…
Should we label a unit or area Cognitive Care or Memory Care? “Cognitive Care”…
Leadership Systems, Care Consistency, and the “Invisible Hours”. In every residence, care unfolds across many…
