THANK YOU. They are such common words that we often utter them without even thinking about it, or really even meaning it. But, when you look someone in the eyes and really thank them, you can change their day. Feeling appreciated is a need we all have, at any age. When we feel appreciated at work…
Congratulations and thank you to all of the students who participated in the first Brush Development Montessori Workshop in Slovenia. The course was hosted by Pavel and Melita Demsar, the founders of Institut Montessori. It was inspirational to be in such a well-designed and cared for Montessori environment. Participants had the opportunity to have lessons from the school guides and practice using the materials while discussing how they can be adapted for elders.
The First Annual Practitioner Symposium on September 29th brought together Montessori professionals from around the world who have completed our Practitioner Certification Course. Since the first cohort was certified in 2016, there are now over 276 Certified Montessori for Aging and Dementia Practitioners around the world.
Since 2018, Jennifer has been working with Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina and McMillan Pazdan & Smith Architects to design Evergreen House, The Village at Summerville’s new memory support neighborhood. Evergreen House opened in December 2021 and is in the year-long process of rolling out the Montessori for Aging and Dementia philosophy. It is a beautifully designed space based on best practices for people living with dementia. Take a look at the design renderings – now brought to life!
Whether you are in a care community or have your loved one at home, these words are uttered more often than we’d like. As much as we dislike the fact that we see it, it’s often difficult to figure out how to get your loved one or one of the elders in your community to do something different. “S/He doesn’t really like anything but watching TV.”
But is that the truth?
Social gatherings are times of enjoyment, laughter, storytelling and sharing food and drink, but what happens when dementia is part of the social plan? Can your loved one still take part? Should s/he?
The answer is: It depends…
I hope you enjoy reading our guest article written by my friend, colleague and meditation buddy, Fred Ellman. His creativity in blending horticulture, spaced retrieval and Montessori is truly inspiring!
It might be weighing heavily on your mind or just a passing thought… What kind of care community do you envision your loved one living in? Every person deserves to spend their lives engaging and thriving! Take a moment to relax and imagine a place like this… The day is bright and sunny and the…
I am honored to have been appointed a Fulbright Specialist. My first project will involve traveling to Norway to work with two long term care communities: VILLA ENERHAUGEN and KVINESDAL BO OG DAGSENTER.
For the past two years, Brush Development has been collaborating with Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina and McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects to design the new Evergreen House at Summerville, a thriving Montessori memory care community. Penny & Lucy Lou Art were instrumental in providing clear, vibrant images to complement the building design and aid in wayfinding. We couldn’t have had such success without the involvement of interior designer, Sydney Kerschen. The following interview with her is from Penny & Lucy Lou Art’s recent blog post.
As a care partner, you already know that the greatest gift you can give your loved one diagnosed with dementia is your time. The love and attention you share and the experiences you create for your loved one are truly priceless. But if you do find yourself shopping for a tangible gift to give for a birthday or holiday, keep the following in mind.
We love opportunities to show off the great work that our students are doing all over the world. Adri Stander, a Certified Practitioner in Montessori for Aging and Dementia in South Africa, is also a talented jewelry designer. She has chosen to bring awareness to and raise money for Alzheimer’s disease through her artwork. Her jewelry makes a great gift for a loved one, friend, or colleague.
