What you'll learn
- You will be able to explain what the Montessori method of dementia care is.
- You will be able to recall the Montessori principles and apply them to everyday situations as a caregiver.
- You will be able to identify and use Montessori principles as a caregiver to communicate effectively.
- You will be able to integrate the Montessori principles into activities you are completing with the person you are caring for.
- You will recognize the importance of establishing a routine for the person you are caring for and how to communicate a schedule of each days activities.
- You will recognize the importance of staying physically and mentally active and be able to employ strategies to improve the health of the person cared for.
- You will recognize the importance of self care for you as a caregiver so that you can provide the best possible care to your loved one.
Requirements
- This course is for anyone who is interested in dementia caregiving regardless of where they are on their own personal journey. What you will learn in this course can be applied in any setting where you interact with a person with dementia.
Description
This course teaches dementia caregivers about the Montessori method of dementia care which is based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s work in early childhood education. In this course we will learn about the 10 Montessori principles of dementia care: independence, choice, being error free, adaptation, demonstration, procedural memory, familiar materials, meaningful activities, sequencing, and simple-to-complex. We will learn how to apply the Montessori principles in any caregiving setting and that the principles are interdependent. We will learn how to communicate more effectively with the person we are caring for and how to engage them in recreational and personal care activities. Caregivers will learn about the importance of self care and ways to mitigate the challenges of caregiving.
The Montessori method of dementia care has many benefits for both caregivers and the people they are caring for. It is low cost and requires no special equipment or tools. No additional medications are required to use this approach to care. Since the Montessori method of dementia care focuses on the individual, care is tailored to each persons needs. The method maintains the dignity and independence of the person being cared for and provides for a better quality of life for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.
Who this course is for:
- This course is designed for caregivers who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or other dementing illnesses. This course is also helpful for anyone who would like to learn more about the Montessori approach to dementia care.
Instructor
- 4.4 Instructor Rating
- 40 Reviews
- 139 Students
- 1 Course
Robin Ely is a doctor of nursing practice with 28 years of nursing experience, she specializes in dementia care. Robin owns Mind Matters, a dementia day care she founded to help local families caring for their loved one. She is a Southeastern Connecticut native who is active in the local community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Mystic Geriatrics Institute and is an active member of both the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Robin resides in Mystic with her husband Andrew and their dog Pebbles.