George Barnes MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S I recently watched a fascinating course by Jennifer Brush, MA, CCC/SLP, titled “Shifting Our Perspective: Dementia and Dysphagia.” I’ve been following her work for a while now, and she has blazed a trail in this area. Her insights on patient-centered care for people with dementia have transformed my approach to…
By Mateja Havliček Konjar My journey with Montessori principles began almost two years ago when I attended Jennifer Brush’s Montessori for Aging and Dementia introductory workshop in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Inspired by her teachings, I felt the urge to bring these principles into our community, aiming to enhance the lives of older adults. Initially, I was…
Brush Development Company and Sarasota University are pleased to offer our Montessori Elder Care Practitioner Certification students a Dual Enrollment option. The Dual Enrollment option is available to students interested in receiving a Montessori Elder Care Practitioner Certification from Brush Development, as well as college credits from Sarasota University. Upon successful completion of the required…
By Nancy Cruz and Francia Muñiz Dicen que las causas más fieles comienzan con una historia. “Abue” quién hoy tiene 104 años es abuelita de Francia, y “Rito” quién murió hace 6 años fue abuelito de Nancy. Ambas inspiradas en sus historias familiares son socias fundadoras de Villa Montessori, Residencia del Adulto Mayor en Guadalajara,…
By Nancy Cruz and Francia Muñiz They say the most beautiful stories begin with a purpose. “Abue,” who is now 104 years old, is Francia’s grandmother, and “Rito,” who passed away six years ago, was Nancy’s grandfather. Inspired by the wisdom and love of their grandparents, Francia and Nancy became the co-founders of Villa Montessori,…
by Pamela Leudke, Certified Montessori Guide & Certified Montessori Elder Care Practitioner (Ontario, Canada) Bread and the breaking of it, in community with others, is a universal food and ritual that crosses the centuries, cultures and all ages. And such was the story of a simple bread maker and the elder for my Case Study…
by Jennifer Brush & Margaret Jarrell We are proud to announce the publication of the second edition of our book, Montessori for Elder and Dementia Care through Health Professions Press! The first edition focused on clearly explaining the concepts behind this highly person-centered approach, how to create a prepared environment, and how to increase levels…
by Margaret Jarrell I recently spent two days in Dallas at the Montessori Institute of North Texas presenting our two-day introductory workshop to Montessori for Aging and Dementia. The workshop was attended by Montessori educators and trainers, loved ones of people living with dementia, as well as healthcare and longterm care professionals. The introductory workshop…
by Rita Akins, Montessori Images, Company founder A Whole Brain WorkoutJust as reading is one of the last functions lost in dementia, musical memory is accessible even in the late stages of memory disorders when only some brain tissue is still capable of functioning normally. Because musical perception is processed throughout the entire brain, music…
Current research shows that outdoor activity promotes brain plasticity by stimulating new connections between cells in the parts of our brain responsible for speech, processing, interpreting sensory stimulation, coordination, problem solving, emotional reasoning and complex thought. When we are outside, we are exposed to 33–66 times the amount of natural light that we receive indoors. Being…
You know this elder well. Whether because she is a family member, friend, or resident in your care community, you have taken the time to get to know important details about her past, her interests, her strengths, her challenges, and her preferences. Now what? Now, it’s time to create a meaningful engagement plan. The Montessori…
With a passion for photography, Penny McPeak started Penny & Lucy Lou Art in May of 2013, a truly unique art line that stands out by offering custom products for any type of interior or exterior art installation. All art is a turn-key finished product, created digitally, printed on various substrates, and manufactured in the Carolinas. The art used in…
