Montessori Approach for Dementia

What is the Montessori Approach to Dementia Care?

In the U.S., approximately 6.9 million people aged 65 and older are living with dementia—a number expected to nearly double to 13.8 million by 2060, according to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, no two individuals experience dementia in the same way. While they may share common behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, each person has their own preferences, dislikes and life stories. This individuality is one reason why the Montessori approach to dementia care is being widely adopted in senior living communities.

So just what is the Montessori Approach and how does it help seniors living with dementia?

Inspired by the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori Approach to dementia care focuses on supporting the person living with memory loss. It’s all about recognizing their interests, strengths, and abilities—then offering meaningful activities that help them stay engaged and build on what they can do, not on what they can no longer do. The goal is to create an environment that fosters dignity, independence and a sense of self, allowing each person to participate in activities they enjoy. Traditional memory care often focuses more on symptom management and safety.

If you love someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, read on to learn more about how Montessori methods for dementia and Montessori-based activities may enhance their quality of life.

The Montessori Approach Embodies Person-Centered Care

Because it emphasizes supporting the individual by considering their interests, current skills, and abilities, the Montessori Approach to aging and dementia aligns with person-centered care philosophies that focus on treating each person with dignity and respect and recognizing their unique needs and potential.

Core Principles of the Montessori Approach For Aging and Dementia

According to the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), the Montessori Method of dementia care is rooted in key theories and principles that are proven effective in dementia care. The foundational theories behind Montessori senior care include:

• A structured environment promotes learning and engagement using cues and tools that support abilities.
• Sensory-based learning focuses on activities that engage multiple senses to stimulate cognitive function.
• Choice promotes decision-making and personal choice.
• Simple tasks are broken down into simple, manageable steps that promote success and build confidence.
• Repetition reinforces learning and skill retention.
• Independence-focused activities enhance self-esteem and minimize feelings of helplessness.
• Engage socially in group activities, such as helping with meal prep or organizing events, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Positive interaction means focusing on abilities and successes while offering praise and encouragement to boost self-esteem.

Meaningful Activities

The Montessori approach is all about personalized care. Communities using this approach focus on each person’s history, interests and abilities to create activities that are meaningful and fulfilling. Montessori-based activities for persons with dementia include using everyday skills – like dressing or eating – that often remain intact even as other types of memory fade while offering support for activities that are more challenging.

Examples of Montessori activities include:

Life Skills Activities

• Setting the table
• Folding laundry
• Gardening

Cognitive Stimulation

• Puzzles
• Memory games

Sensory Engagement

• Scent identification
• Texture sorting

Movement and Motor Skills

• Sorting objects
• Simple exercises

Creative Expression

• Art projects
• Music therapy

Social Interaction

• Meal preparation
• Group activities

Does it Really Work?

Montessori methods for dementia have proven effective in enhancing the quality of life. Research and real-world applications show that Montessori-based activities can reduce agitation, improve social interaction, and boost overall well-being. Studies show a significant decrease in the use of psychotropic drugs and other medications. Residents are more actively and constructively engaged in meaningful activities and are better able to manage daily living activities more independently, improving self-esteem and quality of life.

Respect. Dignity. Equality.

The Montessori Approach to education values each child as an individual. In 1999, researchers from the American Montessori Society reasoned that applying this same principle to people with dementia could transform how memory care is delivered. Research has since confirmed their insights. Just as Montessori revolutionized education by offering children personalized choices in structured environments, it now enhances support and care for those living with dementia.

While offered under many different branded names, today, Montessori programs are offered in hundreds of adult day health centers, assisted living communities, memory care communities, skilled nursing residences, and in-home settings throughout the country. The unifying factor in these programs is a set of values central to the Montessori philosophy: respect, dignity and equality.

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Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.

Sources
National Library of Medicine
New York Times
Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation