AGING & DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Provider Feedback on Montessori Based Activities Program
Are you wondering what Montessori Based Dementia Programming (MBDP) is all about?
Below is feedback from providers who have participated in the Montessori Based Activities Program for Persons with Dementia.
Specialized Dementia Care Providers have taken part in a this two day training presented by Dr. Cameron Camp of the Myers Research Institute as a part of the SDCP Support Program.
Many Providers are using these techniques and information to improve and enhance the level of programming offered to residents.
If you have also participated in the program and would like to add your comments or respond to the comments below, please email your comments to SDCP@dshs.wa.gov. You may also include templates, word files, and PDF files relevant to the program for posting.
“Montessori Based Activities for Persons with Dementia is a way of thinking. It doesn’t have to cost any money… it can be implemented now and with what materials you already have.” |
Dr. Cameron Camp |
“You don’t think the residents will really participate, but you start and they come and join in. I was skeptical but it really works. We were amazed.” We have tried successfully:
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Pauline Lockey |
“The training provided during the two-day Montessori Based Activities for Persons with Dementia is very beneficial; I recommend the training for anyone caring for those with Dementia. “I have used a few of the Montessori techniques in some challenging situations… One being, less verbal with more demonstration has proven to be a great success. “The reading books our facility received are one of our best tools; our residents not only love them in a group but enjoy just reading them on their own. “A challenge that our facility looks forwardto overcoming is all staff training any suggestion on would be greatly appreciated.” |
Denise Chapman |
“We are currently using about 30 different ideas from the three books that were provided. Each activity is in a labeled shoebox with directions and all needed supplies. “I am working towards matching activities to people. One (larger) box is for a lady who loves horses. Inside the box there are different activities relating to horses. Puzzles, Breyer horse with bridle and saddles, scrapbook that she can add to, books on horses to look at and read, matching game with pictures and words. “For a man who enjoys Ham Radio, I have a copy a handbook, a key set, a recording of Morse Code and some call cards. There is a chart to read of the Morse Code. He is willing to teach dits and das to you. “A more general example is Matching Sayings. One set of papers has the first part of a saying and another set has the last partof the saying. Have one person read the first half and have that person or others find the card with the ending. Then placing the completed phrase together on the table and having someone read the complete saying. “Another is using colored sponges: There are two of each color of sponge, you have color matching, stacking of sponges, wipe the table with the sponge, toss sponges in basket, ask about different uses for a sponge, natural sponges vs. foam, wherenatural sponge grow. “The challenge is to have others try to use the activity (both staff and residents). Since this is an ongoing problem I don't think I'm unique with this. I want to do a program at our Family Support Meeting on the Montessori kits we have and how to use them. I do talk to individual family members and so far they have been respectful of the program, but they need coaching to use the kits on a regular basis. The other challenge is finding the right level for each individual. Some of the residents just don't want to do the things I set out for them even after careful thought and preparation on my part. “In April and in July we had in house training about MontessoriBased Activities. I also do individual idea sharing with staff as the need and/or opportunities arise. “So much of what we have been doing is basically the same as the Montessori- it’s just a different name to an ongoing program. if someone were to ask what the activity program here exists of I would say it’s a mix of the Best Friends Approach, Gentle Care and Montessori. Hopefully it is a program that truly reflects the wants of the residents that are participating.” |
Sandy Beaudry |
| ElderHealth sent two staff to Montessori-Based Activities training and were able to incorporate this approach into creating and presenting their new quarter’s activity programming. Examples of new/successful activity groups include sensory (matching sound and touch), golf ball scoop, and activities of daily living (including having clients involved in preparing their own snack, with supervision). Staff reports better client participation since the introduction of the Montessori approach. Staff also did a follow-up in-service for the rest of the South Branch team. Feedback from staff members has been positive (continued increase in client engagement, especially with some clients that did not like to participate in activities in the past; improvement of organization of activity groups, keeping activities “fresh”, etc). They also have added a storytelling activity based on Time Slips. | ElderHealth Northwest |
St. Joseph ADH staff also attended the Montessori-Based Activities training and is integrating these techniques and tools in their programming, including the memory bingo, categorizing and reading activities. The reading activity, the program coordinator shared recently, was particularly successful – in a group of 10 people with relatively low cognitive levels, eight of the group members actually read out loud. It gave them a feeling of competence and provided a feeling of inclusion for them (along with interesting discussion). They have also added storytelling (based on TimeSlips) and a number of hands-on activities to the program including gardening-based activities, music, art and cooking. |
Mary Lynn Palmer |
