2022 – Montessori-Inspired Memory Care Programming

In late 2022 Franke Tobey Jones embarked on a brand-new way of engaging with residents in Memory Care.  Noticing the changing needs and abilities of the residents in Memory Care, the Life Enrichment team is continually adapting activity programing to meet the needs of residents.  Montessori and sensory programs were introduced that are designed to support Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) via fun and engaging hands-on games and activities.  While Montessori is most often connected to learning for children, Montessori for dementia has been shown to be extremely effective in allowing the person with dementia to reconnect to a world in which they are losing access.  Through sensory experiences and hands-on programing, those who have dementia are better able to reconnect with pleasant events and memories of the past and experience the positive emotions of remembered events.

Additionally, programs that engage residents in old skills such as cooking, baking, gardening, household chores, sports and games have been increased.  The purpose of these changes is to give residents an opportunity to fully engage in programs and groups with all their senses, trigger positive memories and bring back a sense of purpose in each resident’s life.