A Waltonwood Ashburn memory care resident loved wood-working throughout his life, but was unable to continue it as his dementia progressed. Here, as part of its Montessori-based program for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, Waltonwood’s environmental services manager lets the resident help with a project in order to rekindle his love for wood-working and bring back pleasant memories. The Montessori method is catching on in popularity. Photo courtesy of Waltonwood Ashburn

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More than five million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. As this number continues to grow, many senior living communities are incorporating specially designed memory care programs based on the Montessori method of education.

Montessori schools for children focus on learning that engages the senses and focuses on a child’s particular needs and abilities, as well as tasks they enjoy doing.

Similarly, memory care programs based on the Montessori method focus on exercises that mimic common tasks residents used to do when they were younger. The activities are designed to help reduce frustration and stress that commonly lead to lack of participation.

Research suggests that physical activities and creative arts engage the senses in a way that brings Alzheimer’s patients positive emotional experiences they may not otherwise achieve.

For example, residents who used to be stay-at-home mothers might like to participate in exercises like folding laundry or light housekeeping, while a resident who used to work in business might like to use a calculator to stimulate their brain and senses and bring back memories of their career.

At the newly opened Waltonwood Ashuburn in Northern Virginia, the Montessori method provides memory care residents with opportunities to rediscover the world around them and create positive attitudes toward learning, while reminding them about things they experienced a long time ago.

“Our Montessori-based program is a unique way to captivate seniors’ senses so they have positive learning experiences without getting frustrated,” said Maria Kraft, director of resident care for Waltonwood Senior Living.

“We design activities which incorporate common items — such as aromatherapy using different flowers, music therapy with household items, and painting using brushes or fingers — to spark the residents’ memories and allow them to function and participate to the extent of their ability.”

An individualized approach

At Olney Assisted Living, programs for dementia residents are based on the person, not on the disease, said Christina Green, director of community relations.

“Our goal is to make meaningful moments every day,” said Green.

“Whether that’s taking a group to Starbucks for a regular outing, offering residents input in menu planning, arranging for a resident to give his wife roses as he used to on their anniversary, or helping them call their loved ones on their birthday, the objective is to create as many positive experiences as possible.”

At Shangri-La Senior Living in Ellicott City, activities coordinators organize daily activities for residents, including exercise, socials, arts and crafts, men’s clubs, games, entertainment, educational and spiritual activities.

Residents also participate in intergenerational activities with students from Children’s Manor Montessori School.

According to their website, Montessori principles result in increased safety and reduced agitation and wandering, while promoting improved quality of life, self-esteem and independence.

Creating positive attitudes

Waltonwood’s program takes each resident’s preferences into consideration, Kraft said.

“For example, if we have a resident who was a businessman or professor, he may not be interested in painting; however an activity for him may be setting up a desk with papers or a computer, where the resident can ‘work.’

“The Montessori method program helps seniors reduce anxiety, stops boredom and improves their overall positivity. The type of daily activities we provide are endless because everything is based on meeting the seniors’ preferences and capabilities, all while challenging them in new ways to continue learning.”

As one family member told them, “I can tell Mom has such a sense of self now. They really make sure they focus on her, as a person, instead of the activity she’s doing. She’s finding joy in her days again.”

Montessori-based activities at Waltonwood Ashburn are led by a trained activity director who designs programming for small and large groups based on the residents’ capabilities.

Design of the memory care apartments also aligns with multi-sensory experiences, such as varying wall colors, personalized room ledges, and memory boxes outside each apartment.

“The Montessori Method is very synergistic, cohesive and, although it is a relatively new program, it is proven to be effective, and we want to inform families about it,” said Waltonwood Ashburn executive director Justin Roberts.

“We are dedicated to incorporating customized programs and will provide the highest quality of care to residents with all forms of dementia,” he said.

For residential communities with Montessori-style memory care programs around the area, contact:

Waltonwood, Ashburn, Va.
http://www.waltonwood.com/senior-living/va/ashburn/waltonwood-at-ashburn, (571) 266-1810

Olney Memory Care, Olney, Md.
http://www.olneymemorycare.com, (301) 576-0936

Shangri-La Senior Living, Ellicott City and Catonsville, Md.
http://www.shangrilaseniorliving.com, (410) 461-2190

Somerford House, Frederick, Md.
http://www.fivestarseniorliving.com/communities/md/frederick/somerford-house-place-frederick, (301) 668-3930

Residences at Thomas Circle, Washington, DC
http://www.seniorlifestyle.com/property/residences-thomas-circle, (202) 628-3844