The 'A' List

When most people hear the word Montessori it is often associated with preschool and children.  Maria Montessori was a pioneer in her field.  She started working with children with special needs and then in 1907, was given a classroom of 'normal' children who were poverty stricken.  She observed how they learned and came up with a way in which they could learn in the most supportive environment.  Her success in teaching these children was so amazing that even today her methods are used in schools around the world.

Just because she started with children, does not mean that her methods are ONLY good for children.  Applying Montessori methods to your facility can make an amazing change in your residents.  One of the basic Montessori philosophies is to let children do things for themselves, which in turn makes them more responsible.  This is a great philosophy for seniors who often find themselves losing some of their daily responsibilities, just as children do.  Doing things for yourself is a good feeling, no matter your age.  This is why this philosophy is great to incorporate into your daily routine.

There are many web sites with Montessori materials.  I would stick with the Sensorial or Practical Life areas.  Sensorial is the area where you train your senses.  It can be anything that involves the senses.  Practical Life is an area where you learn or practice things that we use in daily life, such as pouring.  There are just so many amazing things you can do with Montessori!

Here is one example: 
Using the knobbed cylinders;  Have the resident take each out and put them one at a time on the table.  Then they replace them into their proper place.  This is a simple but complex activity that residents of varying abilities can use.  An activity like this not only helps with coordination, but also relative size, orientation of objects and memory.

Using simple Montessori style activities can help your residents achieve goals, even simple ones.  It is those goals that will give them confidence to try other things.