Abstract/Notes: One-on-one structured Montessori-based activities conducted with people with dementia can improve agitation and enhance engagement. These activities may however not always be implemented by nursing home staff. Family members may present an untapped resource for enabling these activities. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Montessori activities implemented by family members on visitation experiences with people who have dementia. This study strengthens the evidence base for the use of the Montessori programs in increasing well-being in nursing home residents. The findings also provide evidence that family members are an additional valuable resource in implementing structured activities such as the Montessori program with residents.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1017/S1041610219001819

ISSN: 1041-6102, 1741-203X

Abstract/Notes: This pilot project used Montessori principles to improve mealtimes of people with dementia. The four residents involved in the project were given six Montessori activities to carry out each day. The activities helped hand-eye coordination, levels of concentration and problem solving. This in turn had a positive impact on residents well-being during mealtimes.

Language: English

ISSN: 1351-8372

Abstract/Notes: Seniors with dementia living in nursing homes are often faced with boredom and loneliness due to lack of meaningful engagement and personalized activities. We applied Montessori method to design an interactive table for elderly home residents and evaluated the design with four female residents and a nurse. This method offers a range of levelled interactions to meet the needs at different stages and cognitive decline levels of the residents with dementia. The table initiates interaction with an increasing level of complexity that magnifies the rewarding effects and social connectedness among the residents. The qualitative evaluation during a pilot study indicated that the interactions with the table reduced agitation of the elderly participants and increased the instances of positive social behaviours.

Language: English

Published: Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer, 2018

Pages: 49-58

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-73062-2_4

ISBN: 978-3-319-73061-5 978-3-319-73062-2

Abstract/Notes: Nine dyads comprised of nursing home visitors and long-term care residents with dementia took part in a study to examine the effects of using Montessori-based activities during visits. Results indicated that use of Montessori-based activities was associated with significant increases in active forms of residents' engagement with visitors, and corresponding decreases in passive forms of engagement. Visitors' self-reported burden decreased from pre- to post-test. All of the participating visitors stated that they had observed positive changes in residents during the use of the activities and would recommend the training to others.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1300/J018v26n01_07

ISSN: 0731-7115

Abstract/Notes: [...]we can also use the Montessori method to improve the quality of life of individuals with memory disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.While Montessori doesn't offer a cure for Alzheimer's, Montessori practitioners are uniquely positioned to create enriching environments, using Montessori materials, and offer patients music activities, art therapy, and gardening projects designed to engage the senses and increase engagement in and enjoyment of their daily lives.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: This is a review of experimental studies that investigated the use of Montessori-based interventions for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. This review is part of a series of reports from the Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders and Science specific to the assessment and management of individuals with dementia.

Language: English

ISSN: 1065-1438

Abstract/Notes: Many older individuals have cohort-specific knowledge that may not be known by young caregivers. By providing familiar information, using Montessori principles that key into the remaining abilities of those with dementia, it is possible for the younger caregivers to successfully facilitate satisfying, interactive programs. Forty activity directors and staff, age 25–50, in long-term care settings interacted with residents age 56–100 in groups of 10 or more in both an activity intervention and standard activities. The younger caregivers indicated positive responses to the activity intervention and demonstrated increases in positive attitudes toward cognitively impaired, elderly residents, which was due to the intervention that provides the structure and materials to overcome both the skills gap and intergenerational knowledge gap for those staff that have them.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/15350770.2011.568340

ISSN: 1535-0770

Abstract/Notes: Background: Increasingly more attention has been paid to non-pharmacological interventions as treatment of agitated behaviors that accompany dementia. The aim of the current study is to test if personalized one-to-one interaction activities based on Montessori principles will improve agitation, affect, and engagement more than a relevant control condition.Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover trial in nine residential facilities in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia (n = 44). Personalized one-to-one activities that were delivered using Montessori principles were compared with a non-personalized activity to control for the non-specific benefits of one-to-one interaction. Participants were observed 30 minutes before, during, and after the sessions. The presence or absence of a selected physically non-aggressive behavior was noted in every minute, together with the predominant type of affect and engagement.Results: Behavior counts fell considerably during both the Montessori and control sessions relative to beforehand. During Montessori activities, the amount of time spend actively engaged was double compared to during the control condition and participants displayed more positive affect and interest as well. Participants with no fluency in English (all from non-English speaking backgrounds) showed a significantly larger reduction in agitation during the Montessori than control sessions.Conclusion: Our results show that even non-personalized social contact can assist in settling agitated residents. Tailoring activities to residents’ needs and capabilities elicit more positive interactions and are especially suitable for people who have lost fluency in the language spoken predominantly in their residential facility. Future studies could explore implementation by family members and volunteers to avoid demands on facilities’ resources.Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry – ACTRN12609000564257.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1017/S1041610212002128

ISSN: 1041-6102, 1741-203X

Abstract/Notes: This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Montessori Assessment System. The Montessori Assessment System assesses preserved abilities in persons ...

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/1471301217729533

ISSN: 1741-2684, 1471-3012

Abstract/Notes: Some types of formulaic (routine and familiar) language seem to remain fairly intact in people with language and memory disturbances, making it a useful tool fo...

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/1471301211413338

ISSN: 1741-2684, 1471-3012