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Montessori Activities For Elders
"The philosophy of the Montessori method is to create persons who are
as independent as possible, able to make choices, while being treated
with respect and dignity. It assumes that persons want to be
independent, show the abilities they have, and learn new ones; so it
offers meaningful activities in environments designed to accommodate
their needs. As the aging population and the prevalence of dementia increase,
facilities serving older adults need to provide improved quality
programming to maintain or enhance the quality of life for these
individuals. Montessori based activity programs can serve to fill this
growing need. Such programs not only provide meaningful activities but
also enhance recognition and memory, as well as a sense of completion
and success for dementia participants." (Janina C. Bognar, MS)
The history of Montessori-based activities goes back to the turn of the last century when Marie Montessori, an Italian educator, found that children working with learning disabilities were more successful when using a task-oriented method. As time went on, this concept was tried with persons with dementia. Researchers found that persons suffering from dementia relearned or maintained their skills longer. Many of the activities now are spontaneous in small groups or one-to-one activities, depending on the need. These activities include folding, matching, sorting, reading and helping with tasks in the neighborhood. The daily activities are tailored to match the residents interests. There is no right or wrong way to do a Montessori task, only successes. Residents are continually encouraged and praised for their help and accomplishments with the activity. Families can also be involved and are encouraged to participate in Montessori activities during their visits. Montessori carts and supplies are located in each neighborhood and can be utilized at any time. Some of the Montessori principles are:
• Learning occurs in a cooperative atmosphere marked by social interaction and peer teaching.
• A primary goal of Montessori education is to foster competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are lifelong learners and problem solvers. • Learning takes place through the senses. Students learn by manipulating material and interacting with others. • The individual is considered as a whole. The physical, emotional, social, aesthetic, spirtual, and cognitive needs and interests are inseparable and equally important. • Respect and caring attitudes for oneself, others, the environment, and all life are necessary.
"For an older person who is experiencing memory loss, either from stroke, illness or Alzheimer's Disease, the use of the Montessori Method can help preserve many skills while also stimulating the mind. Persons with dementia may seem to be detached both physically and emotionally from their environment and the people in it. Helping odler people reconnect wtih their environment is an important part of the Montessori approach to activities for older people.
(Montessori and Dementia: A New Vision by Tom and Karen Brenner
http://tinyurl.com/alooq from Montessori International Magazine, July-September, 2005, p.38-41)
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As we move to more person-centered care the look of activities is changing here at Brethren Retirement Community. The Activity Staff at Brethren Retirement Community have all attended training on Montessori-Based Dementia Training and utilize this method and their enhanced knowledge of Montessori Activities daily.