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"It is well to cultivate a friendly feeling towards error, to treat it as a companion inseparable from our lives, as something having a purpose which it truly has.'"
- MARIA MONTESSORI -
Hello Vincent,
As human beings, we are faced with an interesting conundrum: we are afraid to make mistakes, but it's through making mistakes that we learn. Mistakes are uncomfortable, no doubt. When they happen, most of us can shake it off, but imagine you are living with dementia. Because of the stigmas around memory loss, you may feel that making a mistake announces to the world, “Look at me—I have dementia!” What would you do? Would you intentionally withdraw to avoid making more mistakes?
Let's together create a different cultural expectation—one where mistakes are normal; even encouraged. Try approaching a new task through the eyes of a child—with curiosity and no societal pressure to be perfect. Make a mistake in front of your client or loved one who is living with dementia. Laugh it off, and seek their help (Dr. Camp calls this the "Tom Sawyer" approach). Admit you make mistakes and forget things. They may start to see you as an ally and accept your invitation to do an activity.
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This concept of normalizing mistakes echoes our last Key Montessori Principle: There is no right or wrong. Think engagement. If you missed the video series, check it out HERE.
Print the 12 Principles Flyer
Remind yourself to practice the principles every day.
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In this Newsletter
- Activity Ideas & Resources - Smelling Jars & Clay Mixing
- Montessori Mini Lessons - 12 Principles & Paranoia Behaviors
- Training and Product Updates - NEW! Certification for Home Care Organizations & Montessori for Staff
- Upcoming Events - OAGE & LeadingAge
- Media and News Round Up - PIONeer 50/50 Meeting
- Partner Spotlight - Opening Minds through Art
- Newly Credentialed Organizations
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Have you discovered the magic of Montessori?
Let us know!
| We love our clients and friends! If you want to show us some love by giving us a review on Google, we would be so grateful. |
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Check out these two activities that are perfect for working on together with friends or family members by a cozy fire.
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Smelling Jars
This time of year celebrates the senses - candles and holiday lights for the eyes, the warmth of hot cocoa by a fire, and the sounds of songs and sleigh bells. This Montessori-based activity will give us a chance to savor the smells of the season with a small group or one-on-one. Practice recognizing familiar scents and see what long-term memories arise. Some scents to consider may be cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, pumpkin, or the smell of an evergreen pine tree.
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Clay Color Mixing
Keep those hands active through the colder months by mixing clay! Squeezing activities maintain the ability to grasp objects and use tools, allowing participants to interact more effectively with the environment.
This is also a fun intergenerational activity, where the elder can teach children about colors and share their favorites. Play dough may be used as a softer alternative.
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12 Montessori Principles with Dr. Camp
This is it folks! We're at the end of our 12 Montessori Principles video series. Let's wrap it up with Principle #12: There is no right or wrong. Think Engagement.
We hope you enjoyed these short, sweet videos. Keep an eye out for more Montessori Mini lessons in 2024!
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What matters is how we make someone feel, not the end result of an activity.
If a person with dementia messes something up, don't point it out.
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"There are spiders on my bed!"
When a person sees something that is not there, let's put our detective hats on and try to see the world through their eyes.
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NEW!
Montessori Inspired Lifestyle®
Certification for Home Care Organizations
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Over the years, many of our colleagues at home care organizations have expressed interest in becoming certified in Montessori for dementia. So, we listened! Now administrators from home care organizations can take a series of live sessions with one of our passionate trainers, apply what they've learned to help their clients thrive in their homes, and set their organization apart by pioneering this transformative approach in the increasingly important field of home care.
Congratulations to Etched Quality Care for becoming the first home care organization to achieve this certification!
If you'd like to learn more about this opportunity, reach out to us!
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Guess what?
Montessori engages staff too.
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Don't just take our word for it.
Enroll in our online course and discover it for yourself.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Join Us at the OAGE Conference
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Dr. Camp is a keynote speaker at the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education Conference hosted by Kent State University at Stark on April 11-12. Many of our dedicated teammates will also be there. Join us! | | |
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JOIN US AT ARIZONA LEADINGAGE!
"Down & Dirty Practical Applications: What Does a Montessori Inspired Person-Centered Workplace Look Like?"
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Join our training partner Gary Johnson of Monarch Pathways and our team at the Arizona LeadingAge Annual Conference & Expo on May 15 - 17 at We-ko-pa Resort and Casino. Discover how using Montessori principles is just as effective at engaging your staff! | |
Are you curious about how you can use Montessori to engage your staff at your community or organization? | |
Opening Minds through Art (OMA) | |
Pictured above: Artwork by persons living with dementia. Check out more stunning artwork in OMA's gallery HERE. | |
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Center for Applied Research in Dementia is thrilled to introduce our partner Opening Minds through Art (OMA). OMA builds bridges across age and cognitive barriers through art. Their goal is to help build a society that values all people, including older adults living with dementia. OMA achieves this by building genuine friendships between people living with dementia and volunteers as they engage in art-making.
We encourage you to discover the inspiring work OMA is doing. Visit their website or reach out to them to see how you can bring this remarkable program to your community.
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Pass It On 50/50 Online Conversation | | |
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Dr. Camp was invited by Pass It On Network to have an enlightening conversation with aging advocates worldwide during their 50/50 Online Conversation series. | |
New Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® Credentialed Communities | |
These communities are raising the bar for person-centered care, demonstrating their commitment to Montessori values and creating homes where people live with respect, dignity, and equality. | |
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Memory care has a special meaning for Frontier Senior Living. Frontier communities are specifically designed to nurture activity, exercise, dining and restful opportunities as well as engaging and purpose filled activities that stimulate personal abilities. Residents are encouraged to do what they are able, historical knowledge is celebrated and acknowledged and new abilities are recognized and utilized.
Four different Frontier communities have recently achieved Gold level credential as a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® community.
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Larksfield Place is a not-for-profit life plan community that has been serving Wichita since 1988. Magnolia Court Memory Support residences within Larksfield Place Assisted Living is now a Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® credentialed community, working to fulfill its mission of enriching the lives of discerning older adults by providing distinctive lifestyle, health and wellness services.
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The Goodman Group is one of the most respected names in senior living and healthcare communities nationwide, and defined by the exceptional lifestyles, care and services provided at its managed communities. Their Pearls of Life® memory care neighborhoods recognize the value of each individual and helps residents live dignified, well-rounded lives, discovering the treasures, or pearls, within. Team members at The Goodman Group managed communities deliver on the promise that each resident will have the opportunity to lead a purposeful life. | | |
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Residents of Fairmont Senior Living on Clayton‘s Memory Care Neighborhood enjoy credentialed Montessori-Based Memory Care, a unique program that meets each resident at their current level of need, while promoting a lifestyle of independence and purpose. Their program focuses on a holistic care approach with an emphasis on physical and cognitive therapy practices specifically designed to foster a community-based experience for the residents, their families, and staff caring for them. This, along with group engagement programs that establish social roles and a sense of belonging, ensures each member sustains a sense of purpose and engagement while maintaining personal independence. | | |
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ArchCare cares for people of all ages and faiths where they are most comfortable and best able to receive it – at home, in the community and in nursing homes. As the Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York, they see enhancing the lives of our elders and others who need extra help to stay healthy and live life to its fullest as more than just a job. The Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is a wonderful place to call home. A steadfast presence of this Staten Island community for many years, Carmel Richmond is known for its welcoming staff that feels like family. | | |
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In a tranquil country setting just 50 miles north of the Twin Cities, Ecumen North Branch offers exceptional senior living in a friendly and inviting community. Their residents thrive in the shared enjoyment of a community that’s “changing aging” with innovative approaches to senior care and services. They envision a world where aging is understood in radically different ways. Ecumen North Branch fosters a strong sense of community with a bustling Town Center, cozy gathering areas and sunny outdoor patios. Ecumen is Minnesota’s leader in senior housing and services, empowering individuals to live richer and fuller lives. | | |
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Fairmont of Westlake, in Northeast Ohio, believes in a Montessori-based, holistic approach to memory care that places emphasis on both physical and cognitive therapies and is specifically designed to provide a community-based experience for residents, their families, and the entire staff. The Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® Program at Fairmont of Westlake works to ensure that each resident enjoys their personal independence while also developing a meaningful sense of purpose within the community. | | |
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Rowan House Memory Care at Friendship Village of Dublin in Columbus, Ohio, is a place of engaging and stimulating activities that foster physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being, enabling residents to live life to the fullest and experience meaningful moments. The home-like environment at Rowan House promotes meaningful engagement while encouraging independence in a secured space. Using Montessori-based approaches to care, their community supports independence, choice and self-direction, enabling residents to enjoy visits with family and friends, get to know their neighbors and create friendships, and participate in community decision-making. | |
Read more about the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® community credentialing process HERE, or send an email to jamie@cen4ard.com to learn how your care community can deliver the pinnacle of person-centered care through a Montessori-based approach.
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34194 Aurora Road #182
Solon, OH 44139
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We'd Love to Hear From You!
Please reach out to us at info@cen4ard.com with feedback or questions you may have.
Sincerely,
—The Team at CARD
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