LAI305 - A Montessori-Based Approach for Aging and Dementia

In this session, participants will learn from a Montessori specialist about the Montessori principles of independence according to one’s ability, and the benefits of the prepared environment.

Presented on February 11, 2021

Developed in the early 20th century, the Montessori method of teaching holds that when you’re working with individuals, you must consider their needs and capabilities in concert.  What do they like to do?  What are they able to do?  The focus is not on challenging the individual, but instead taking the task a little beyond the comfort zone so individuals still have the opportunity to learn and improve.  The Montessori method of caregiving has a very similar goal: engaging the senses in order to help Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and loved ones rediscover the world around them.  In this session, participants will learn from a Montessori specialist about the Montessori principles of independence according to one’s ability, and the benefits of the prepared environment.  Specifically, participants will learn about the typical symptoms that can be expected as dementia progresses, the fundamental principles of the Montessori method, how to conduct a Montessori-based session, Montessori-based steps to engagement that reduce unwanted behaviors, issues that may arise with this approach, and using case studies and video examples, how to set up activities/tasks for individuals with dementia using a Montessori approach. 

Objectives

• Describe abilities that are spared in persons with dementia that can serve as the basis for effective interventions.
• Identify the fundamental principles of a Montessori-based approach to dementia programming.
• List individualized activities that you can implement with individuals with dementia and/or teach your staff to implement to reduce unwanted behaviors and improve engagement.
• Describe ways to modify the physical environment to support people with dementia.
• Identify tools that will improve engagement, activities, and communication skills for those in your community.

Faculty

Kathleen Weissberg, MS, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, National Director of Education, Select Rehabilitation

Who Should Attend
Administrators, Social Workers, Activities, DONs, ADONs, Nursing Staff, Unit Managers, Caregivers, and Staff Educators.  Appropriate for nursing home, assisted living, home and community based services and adult day providers.

Continuing Education Credit
Nursing Home Administrators – This session is intended to meet the criteria established by the Iowa Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators for 1 contact hour for each webinar.  You must attend the entire session to receive credit.  No partial credit allowed.  Retain certificate for four years.

Iowa Board of Nursing Provider #67 – 1 contact hour for each webinar.  Providership regulations do not allow for partial credit to be given for any portion of this program.  You must attend the entire session to receive credit.  Retain certificate for four years.

 Social Workers – 1 contact hour.  This program is intended to meet the criteria established by the Iowa Board of Social Work Examiners.  If audited, you will be asked to provide your certificate of attendance and program material.  You must attend the entire session to receive credit.  Retain certificate for four years.

Assisted Living Leadership Recertification – 1 contact hour.  You must attend the entire session to receive credit. 

Registration Information
This program recording is approximately 60 minutes in length. Registration fees include access to the recording and handouts for this program, as well as a CEU/attendance certificate for one user. Once you purchase the program, unlimited viewing of the recording content will be available using the registrant login information for 30 days.