Montessori for Aging and Dementia | Introductory Workshop (LIVE VIRTUAL) (May 2026)

Description

From Can’t to Can Do! Montessori for Aging and Dementia | Introductory Workshop

12-Hour Live Virtual Workshop – Taught using Microsoft Teams

May 11–14, 2026 (Monday – Thursday)
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM US EST (New York)

Instructors: Jennifer Brush, Margaret Jarrell, and Mandy Cheskis
$229, includes a Brush Development Certificate of Completion

After purchasing this course, you will receive a receipt with a link to log into your account to access the handouts and meeting invitation.  You will not be sent a separate email with a Teams link.  Please access the Teams link and handouts by logging into your Brush Development online account.  This is the PREREQUISITE for 6-month Montessori Elder Care Practitioner Certification Course.  All sales are final; refunds are not provided.

Description

Sign up for the 12-hour Montessori workshop that’s helped countless care providers improve elder engagement and independence, increase staff and family satisfaction, and transform the physical and social environment into a community that flourishes. The result is the care community where everyone wants to live and work! Our team will walk you through an easy and transformative 12-hour program to get real results.  If you follow the steps in this training, you’ll free up time, reduce work stress and open up a whole new way of thinking about people with dementia. Get ready to create a place where everyone thrives!

WORKSHOP AGENDA

Section 1: It is Time for Change

This section reviews the reasons why change is needed in elder care and presents the concepts of person-centered care.

Section II: Understanding Dementia and Memory

This section reviews the 12 main risk factors of dementia, how to keep the brain healthy and the main diseases that cause symptoms of dementia.

Memory & Memory Books

In this section we review Michelle’s Bourgeois' work, explain how to make and use a memory books and provide examples of memory books.

Section III: Enhancing Communication

In this section we discuss the sensory & language changes that impact communication and provide a variety of tools and techniques such as spaced retrieval that improve communication.

Section IV: Montessori Fundamentals

In this section we review Dr. Montessori’s Life, Planes of Development, Sensitive Periods & Human Tendencies, and Key Components of a Montessori Community.

Section V: Apply Montessori to Care Settings

This section addresses the Montessori Advisory Group for Dementia, Aging, & Disability (MDDA), the Standards and Quality Indicators, addressing human tendencies in old age, dementia, and disability.

Section VI: Evidence Based Design Creates the Prepared Environment

Review of research by Jennifer and others that dictates the prepared environments for elders.  Many photos examples and a videos are provided.

Section VII: Implementation of Montessori for Dementia and Aging

At least one hundred examples are given for Developing Activities & Roles along with the characteristics of Montessori materials.

Section VIII: Materials Practice

Hands on demonstration of lessons and practice with classroom materials that can be used appropriately with elders given changes in size and method of presentation.

Section IX: Personalized Assessments

Students are given a sample assessment and guided through the process of interacting with an elder.

Section X: Meaningful Engagement Plans

Students are given a sample engagement plan and guided through the process of collaborating with an elder.

The differences between the flow of the day in an institution setting and a Montessori home are discussed.

Review of how all ADLs can be done in a Montessori way.

Section XI: Opportunities for Collaboration

Research project between Jennifer and Michelle Bourgeois on Intergenerational Programs, as well as examples of implementation specific to caregivers living at home, working as a volunteer, and exploring a new career in aged care.

Section XII: Putting Montessori into Action Slides

Creation of an action plan and one year implementation process is discussed.