There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dementia care. Much like any other human in need of care, seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia have individual needs, wants, and wishes despite their diagnosis. It’s also critical to encourage independence in these seniors. As such, they require unique care plans that cater to them alone. So how does the Montessori approach to dementia care meet these requirements? Our expert team at Terra Vista is here to explain.
What is the Montessori Approach?
It’s a method that focuses on understanding and supporting human exploration, learning, and most importantly, independence. The Montessori approach is most heard in the world of early education, where there is an emphasis on hands-on experiences that are sensory-rich and self-directed. This allows children to become confident in their own abilities and helps them develop a sense of independence. Further, the Montessori approach focuses on individuality in both the pace of the classroom and the style of learning instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to education.
How Does the Montessori Approach Fit into Dementia Care?
How does this unique approach to learning fit into the world of dementia care? Essentially, caregivers focus on the individuality of senior residents in dementia care, creating tailored and compassionate care plans that focus on their:
- Needs and wishes
- Ability levels and challenges
- Ability to emotionally regulate
- Style of communication
- Culture
- History and memories
Their care plans are person-centered and designed to cultivate a lifestyle where seniors with dementia can still feel independent, engage with their environment, connect with others, and enjoy their lives.
What Does a Montessori Approach Dementia Care Plan Look Like?
What would a Montessori approach care plan look like for your senior loved one struggling with dementia? As a whole, these memory care plans aim to promote independence and social interaction while lessening agitation. Here are some of the tenets of this type of dementia care.
Independence: Seniors in a Montessori-based dementia care program will find their care plans focused on independence. Their environments are designed to be easy to navigate and allow for a degree of autonomy. For example, circular hallways that allow free movement and clearly labeled resources are typically used to encourage seniors to complete tasks independently. Further, tasks are based on familiar activities from the residents’ lives, which may make them easier to complete and also help with memory recall.
Multisensory stimulation: Montessori programs are often sensory-based, and this is also the case in this type of dementia care. Residents in these programs are encouraged to engage with music, smells, visuals, and tactile materials (like arts and crafts). Sensory stimulation can help seniors with dementia feel calmer, experience better moods, and evoke memories.
Reality orientation: Montessori-centered dementia care plans often include clear markers of time and place to help seniors feel a sense of order and consistency. Methods include using large clocks, easy-to-read calendars, and other tools adapted to easy, quicker comprehension.
Task analysis: Caregivers in this type of dementia care program will help senior residents break complex tasks into smaller parts that are more manageable. For example, getting dressed can be broken down into individual tasks like putting on pants, then a belt, then socks, then shoes. This encourages seniors to complete tasks independently and feel more accomplished.
Observation and guidance: In this type of care plan caregivers are facilitators – they help encourage residents and guide them through tasks while enabling residents to do as much as they can themselves. This inspires confidence in residents and helps them retain a sense of autonomy and independence. It also helps caregivers get to know residents better and provide even more individualized care.
Further, Montessori-based dementia care plans encourage social interaction, respect from caregivers, and personal dignity in seniors.
How Does This Type of Care Plan Benefit Seniors?
What are the specific benefits to this approach to dementia care? Overall, this type of memory care program helps with:
- Memory recall
- Reduced agitation
- Improved mood
- Enhanced motor skills
- Increased positive behavior
- Better eating habits
Explore the Montessori Approach to Dementia Care at Terra Vista
Curious to learn more about the Montessori approach and how it could help your loved one flourish? Contact Terra Vista today. Our team of experts is here to walk you through this type of care program and answer any questions you may have. Schedule a tour and a time to talk to an advisor – we’re here to help you navigate this next phase of life.