The Montessori Method can be used in a variety of ways to provide individuals with dementia meaningful activities while promoting their independence. Here are some easy ways to begin using concepts from the Montessori Method!
- Incorporate familiar activities
One way we can inspire our loved one to engage throughout the day, is to create opportunities for them to participate in activities they have enjoyed in the past. For example, if the person enjoyed gardening, provide them with a small indoor garden, allow them to choose which plants they would like, and help them plant the seeds and watch them grow. You could also provide them with fresh flowers for them to create flower arrangements for the dinner table or to give to neighbors or family members. If the individual enjoyed cooking, provide them with the opportunity to contribute to the meal, even if it just means measuring or mixing ingredients. These types of activities capitalize on your loved one’s muscle memory and allow them to continue participating in experiences they enjoy in a safe and controlled environment. - Focus on Practical Life Activities
In the Montessori method, one important area of the classroom is Practical Life. Throughout the classroom, children are able to participate in work that allows them to practice movements that are essential in their daily lives. These activities not only promote independence and engagement but also improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Similarly, aging individuals and those with dementia can also benefit from incorporating these activities into their daily routines. Some ideas include sorting (buttons, socks, silverware, etc…), polishing wood or silver (this is one of my favorites, even as an adult!), following a simple recipe, caring for plants in their environment, window scrubbing, and more. These meditative tasks allow individuals with dementia to maintain a sense of contribution to their environment and can even be added into a physical therapy routine! - Prepare the environment
Individuals with (and without!) dementia can become overwhelmed by clutter and too many choices. To start, simplify the environment by removing excess furniture and materials. Use simple, uncluttered decor to create a calm and peaceful environment and incorporate neutral colors throughout the space. Hang up meaningful photographs and display items that are important to the individual. It is also important to provide them the opportunity to maintain their sense of independence in their environment, to whatever extent possible. This may include setting up a water station for them to fill their own cup, setting out two choices of clothes in the morning for them to choose from, or setting alarms on Alexa to remind them of important tasks throughout the day. - Encourage social interaction
In Montessori, a key component of the method is mixed-age classrooms. This allows children to learn from and teach their peers as they progress through their time in the classroom. Depending on their developmental stage, this may include cooperative play, which is working together toward a common goal, or parallel play, which is playing with the same things, but without engaging each other. Both types of play are important for a child’s development and can also be encouraged for those living with dementia, even if they are not actively engaging with those around them. Just like in the Montessori classroom, this can and should include socialization with individuals that are not their age! Whether you have a neighbor stop by for morning coffee and a 30 minute chat, or find a young child who can share an interest, or even do their homework in the same space, there are many opportunities to incorporate socialization throughout the day. - Create Cues!
Cues play a crucial role in dementia care, providing individuals with the necessary information for their daily activities and routines. In the Montessori classroom, we utilize simple cues to guide children throughout the day. This starts with the adults setting up the classroom and preparing the environment, allowing the children to begin their work as independently as possible. For instance, we use popsicle sticks placed in each plant to communicate the plant’s needs to the children. These sticks have one side painted red and the other side green. By observing the color, the child can determine if the plant requires watering or not. Such visual cues are valuable as they enable caregivers to use their time efficiently while preserving the independence of their loved ones. In memory care, incorporating verbal, visual, tactile, environmental, and social cues can greatly enhance the success and well-being of individuals throughout the day.
Incorporating the Montessori Method into dementia care can provide individuals with meaningful activities and promote independence. While there are a few ideas above of how to begin incorporating this approach into every day life, please continue exploring for additional resources to transform the care of your loved ones. And if you have an idea that you believe would help your loved one, please reach out and I will do my best to research or create materials you could use in your space!