Montessori for Elder and Dementia Care
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What is Montessori for Dementia?

ByJennifer Brush

Montessori philosophy, based on the principles of free choice and purposeful activity, has historically been focused on children’s education. However, its essential principles and practices are increasingly seen as critical to enhancing the lives of the older adults in our care. Central to both the Montessori philosophy and person-centered care are the core values of respect for the individual, the importance of knowing the person deeply, seeking and honoring the elder’s preferences over all aspects of his or her daily life, and creating a supportive environment that allows for continued participation in familiar and preferred activities, inside and outside.

Social distance visit with at nursing home through window
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Dementia Care and COVID-19: How do we move forward?

ByJennifer Brush

All of us have been impacted by COVID-19 in many ways, both professionally and personally. The presence of the virus has also created some significant challenges for those living with dementia, especially for those living in long term care communities. In addition, as states work to reopen or partially reopen care communities, the common misunderstanding that individuals living with dementia cannot practice social distancing may result in their continued unnecessary and harmful isolation.

my family member at the assisted living community where he resides
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Simple In-Room Activity Idea

ByJennifer Brush

Many of you have written to share your challenges and successes over the past few weeks and to ask for simple activity ideas that can be done easily in one’s bedroom on a tray table. Here is an idea for a simple activity that can help an individual to maintain fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while feeling a sense of purpose by caring for his or her belongings.

Amaran Assisted Living and Memory Care Community in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Two Revolutionary New Montessori Communities

ByJennifer Brush

Amaran Assisted Living and Memory Care Community in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will provide Albuquerque with an innovative approach to senior care. The community, currently under construction, is scheduled to open November 2020. The vision for Amaran is a holistic care center that will weave together the concepts of Montessori learning and respectful care for the aging.

Nonna’s Intergenerational Christian Montessori is located in Wayzata, Minnesota and is the first of its kind, implementing the philosophy of Maria Montessori for both children and elders. Opening their doors in February 2019, Nonna’s has just celebrated their first year of business.

3 part cards (Nomenclature Cards)
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Simplicity is Often Best: Engaging Elders with Dementia

ByJennifer Brush

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to the materials we use for engaging elders. Most of us eagerly welcome new ideas for roles and activities. I’ve been known to come up with some pretty elaborate concepts to try and shake things up, but I have learned that keeping it simple usually works best.

One of my favorite materials are Three-Part Cards (also known as Nomenclature Cards). These cards can be used to help elders maintain and improve language skills such as reading and naming. In addition, the materials can address sequencing, attention to task, fine and gross motor skills, turn taking, conversation and reminiscence.

Living an Abundant Life: Montessori for Aging
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Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone?

ByJennifer Brush

Culture change takes dedication, leadership, and a willingness to look at life differently. It means we have to try new things and be willing to be uncomfortable in order to grow. I love when I have the opportunity to show off a person-centered community that is putting the Montessori philosophy into action. Lutheran Senior Life, Passavant Community, has worked with me for the past year with one goal in mind: Use the Montessori philosophy to help their residents to live an abundant life.

How to create a supportive environment for older adults and people with dementia

Free webinar explains how to create a supportive environment for dementia

ByJennifer Brush

More than any other question, I am asked how to make low-cost, simple changes to the environment. The truth is, you don’t have a to have a huge remodeling budget to make changes to the care community that will help elders thrive. We are thrilled to bring you this new FREE webinar sponsored by Linked…

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How to Support Employees Who are Caring for Their Aging Parents

ByJennifer Brush

You may not realize it, but many of your employees are in the Sandwich Generation.  The term Sandwich Generation is often used to describe individuals who are raising children and caring for their parents at the same time.  Most are also managing a career and juggling a variety of other commitments.  Sound familiar?  You might…

Memory books make conversation easier with those with dementia
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Tips for Creating Memory Books to Enable Conversation

ByJennifer Brush

For people living with dementia, reading is a preserved skill. Therefore visual aids that include written information can be used as memory supports. Memory books can improve quality of life by: Helping people remember important information Making conversation easier Reducing responsive (challenging) behaviors, such as exit seeking and repetitive questioning Providing reassurance and comfort A…

ideal supportive environment for thsoe with dementia
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Tips for Creating a Supportive Environment for Older Adults

ByJennifer Brush

The “prepared environment” is designed to facilitate independence and exploration. When designing a Montessori environment for older adults, it can be hard to know where to start. Keep these simple tips in mind: The prepared environment for older adults is beautiful and inviting. Those living in the care community can help choose or donate beautiful…