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 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,…
My work through the Fulbright Finland Specialist program in the area of Public/Global Health focused on building staff competencies in person-centered care using the Montessori philosophy of living applied to elders. The Fulbright Specialist project was hosted by MuistiMontessori, the only association in Finland dedicated to applying the Montessori philosophy to individuals living with cogntive…
By Mandy Cheskis, MS, CCC/SLP “Follow the child” is one of the key principles of Montessori education. It encourages parents to observe and respect their children’s own pace and interests. The full quotation of Maria Montessori can help us understand what she meant: “Follow the child but follow them as their leader.” In our work in…
Implementing Montessori involves culture change throughout the community. You can’t do it alone. You will need the full buy-in of your community’s leadership. So how do you prepare the bring this idea to your leadership team? Review the community’s mission and vision. Align your proposal with the organization’s objectives. Whatever you propose for the…
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…
In a time when we are all experiencing frustrations about being short staffed, we should consider engaging healthy, older adults living in our communities who have the time and interest to help others. Many retired individuals are more than willing to spend a few hours a week with frail or cognitively impaired elders to enhance…
Seniors living in long term care communities have been more isolated than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people with advanced dementia are not safe behind closed doors. They are often dependent on trained caregivers to help them meet their basic daily needs; that is why they are living in long term care communities. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is hitting long-term care communities hard and they are attempting to stop the spread by keeping people in their rooms behind closed doors.
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.
Every morning, the first thing I do is pour myself a big mug of coffee. The second thing I do is take my standard poodle, Lucy for a walk. Today, as I watched the sun rise over the maple trees I was in awe of the shades of red, orange and yellow I observed-the leaves…
Congratulations to the staff at Fundacion Nuevo Hohar LeDor VaDor for enthusiastically completing their first Montessori for Dementia workshop. Approximately 35 staff members from a large Jewish home for the aged in Buenos Aires spent time in intense training with me in September. As I reflect on my time with the staff, I can’t help…
