Villa Montessori Count the Moments, Not the Years! (English)

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, a Senior Living Residence in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. 

Francia and Nancy, both psychology graduates, started their journey in personalized care through working with children, applying the Montessori model in education. However, caring for their grandparents awakened in them the need to apply these same principles to accompany older adults. Thus, their Montessori for aging adventure began. 

We began working with families who, like us, wanted to improve the quality of life of their loved ones. But soon we realized that being external companions wasn’t enough. We wanted to create a space where the Montessori philosophy, based on respect, independence, and holistic development, could be at the heart of everything. This led to the creation of Villa Montessori, the first residence in Mexico to follow this approach. Today, we have two spaces: Villa Montessori Día, for independent or semi-independent individuals, and Villa Montessori Sol, where we design plans for those who require more assistance. 

Aging should not be synonymous with loneliness or illness. In Montessori, we believe that every stage of life is an opportunity for growth. We do not minimize the challenges of aging, but we see in them the possibility of living fully and joyfully. 

In our Latin culture, the idea of a nursing home can be intimidating, but at Villa Montessori, we offer a prepared environment where the elderly find love, care, and a renewed sense of purpose. We work with a multidisciplinary team committed to the holistic well-being of seniors, helping them stay active, connected, and purposeful. 

We believe that the essential values in care are Love, Warmth, and Trust. In Montessori, we do not just feed and care for our seniors; we also deeply respect their independence and their right to keep growing. Older adults, like all human beings, need to feel useful, loved, and respected. 

The first step is to create a safe and respectful environment where each person feels valued. Only then can we truly accompany them. It’s important to know the medical conditions of each resident, but it’s equally important to know their stories, their passions, and what brings them joy. Even those living with dementia have interests and likes that make them feel alive. Our goal is for each person to feel they have a valuable and meaningful role within the community. 

Today, the Villa Montessori community is made up of dozens of families, whether in permanent residence or the day club, where each member lives surrounded by an environment designed for them, full of love and warmth. Here, community members share their passions and enjoy life beyond their illnesses. 

LIVE FULLY. COUNT THE MOMENTS, NOT THE YEARS!