Oct 16, 2017

What is the “Montessori” Approach to Dementia?

In the past few years, there has been great evolutions in dementia care. Nowadays there is more focus on patient centered care, alternative treatments for dementia symptoms, and a better understand of how to treat and communicate with people who live with dementia.

One innovative method that has taken off is Montessori – a framework that was originally created for childhood education – that has been found to have philosophies that can be adapted to dementia care.

What the Montessori approach recognises is the importance of engagement that is tailored to the interests and abilities of each unique person.

It takes into account “what do they like to do?” and “what are they able to do?”, and then giving them activities to engage them.

This can be something as simple as doing a puzzle, sorting buttons, sensory boxes or following simple instructions, like “making a cup of tea”.

As caring for people with dementia often includes cognitive and/or physical impairments, Montessori allows for people to “reconnect with a world they’re losing access to”.

By re-engaging people to their memories, their loved ones and their senses, this approach leads to an increase in the quality of life of people living with dementia.

Research has provided clear evidence of decreases in responsive behaviours and increased levels of engagement and participation in activities when Montessori approaches are implemented.

Montessori isn’t about reversing the symptoms of dementia, as there is yet to be any cure or treatment for any form of dementia. What this approach is about is allowing people living with the condition to be able to make meaningful contributions to their community, and engage in meaningful activities.

Using Montessori to Inspire Change in Dementia Care

Omnicare Alliance recently held their inaugural regional dementia conference, The RED Conference – A Regional Experience in Practical Dementia Care with great success.

The change revolution theme was inspired by keynote speaker Dr Cameron Camp, an American Montessori for dementia expert, who said the Montessori approach to dementia care and how the community embraced this approach would lead to a change revolution in dementia care.

“I don’t think there was one person in attendance who didn’t leave yesterday’s conference with a new sense of purpose and drive,” said Omnicare Alliance Joint CEO, Raymond Gouck.

“Dr Cameron Camp, and in fact all of our incredible speakers and workshop presenters provided attendees with a new way of approaching living well with dementia and in how they support someone living with dementia – be that in their own home or where they work.”

“The Montessori approach to dementia care focuses on developing meaningful and purposeful roles and activities for people living with dementia. It’s about enabling and encouraging independence; but more importantly meeting the needs of the individual person”.

Over 200 people from across Australia attended the conference on Wednesday, October 11.

The day featured speakers – Dr Cameron Camp, Julie Dunn, Dr Jim Donnelly, Andrew Hanna, Dr Matthew Kinchington and Suzanne Towsey; and workshops presented by Dr Cameron Camp, Dr Jim Donnelly, Lisa Hort, Yvonne Kiely, Jade Sinclair, Cath Manuel, Greta Warner, Lynette Murphy, Mitchell Nicholson, Alison Sherratt, Margaret Allen and a number of carers and people living with dementia.

What do you have to say? Comment, share and like below. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Great to see Cath Manual there from Soil to Supper. Cath is amazing in cocreating edible and sensory gardens, as well as encouraging us all to touch the soil, grow our own food and reap the health benefits of immersing in the garden.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Doctors regularly miss dementia in their patients

A UK study has found that in nearly 40% of cases, doctors aren’t aware that patients they are treating have dementia. A study by the University College London found that medical staff are regularly treating patients without realising the patient has previously been diagnosed with dementia. The researchers say elderly people who are living with dementia are being sent... Read More

The Australian charity covering the cost of veterinary bills for pensioners

Unfortunately, a visit to the local vet is not cheap, and ensuring the health of your beloved pet can come with the type of price tag that a lot of pensioners and disadvantaged people simply can’t afford.  Read More

Australians just scraping by on national diet score

Although Australia is ripe with golden soil and premium produce the nation is failing when it comes to embracing a balanced diet, with the national diet score falling well below a healthy level. Read More
Advertisement