Practical Life for People Living with Dementia: The Importance of Maintaining Meaningful Roles

In this webinar, we will focus on a key component of the Montessori approach for people living with dementia: Practical Life. All too often, older adults living with dementia lose access to many of the roles and responsibilities they previously enjoyed, which impacts their sense of purpose and self-worth. It becomes essential then that care partners get to know each person deeply, so that we can discover what roles each person would enjoy and find ways for them to step back into those roles. In Montessori communities and homes, you will see people living with dementia setting the table, watering plants, sweeping the floor, preparing food, folding laundry, filling the birdfeeder, and so much more. We will discuss ways to prepare the environment and design materials that enable independence with these roles, and how to establish them as routines for people living with dementia. (Yes, people living with dementia can learn new routines with consistent practice!)  There will be lots of examples given and an opportunity to brainstorm and collaborate as a group. If you know someone living with dementia and would like to learn more, please join us!

Participants will…

• Receive a brief introduction to the Montessori philosophy of care for people living with dementia

• Understand the importance of meaningful roles in maintaining a sense of purpose and self-worth

• Brainstorm and create a list of potential roles for people living with dementia

• Learn to design dementia-friendly roles, including planning, making materials, and preparing the environment

• Learn to build routines around these roles, including introducing a new role, consistent practice, and training other care partners

• Be introduced to ways to learn more about the Montessori for Aging and Dementia movement

Margaret Jarrell

Margaret began her Montessori journey at age three at a small Montessori school in Washington, D.C. She fell in love with the Montessori Method and went on to pursue a Masters Degree in Education and her Elementary Montessori certification. Margaret was a Lower Elementary Guide for 12 years. She is now the Director of the Greenspring Center for Lifelong Learning, a non-profit organization that supports Montessori teachers, leaders, and schools.

Margaret is also an AMI Trainer in Montessori for Dementia & Aging and co-author of Montessori for Elder and Dementia Care (Second Edition) with Jennifer Brush. For Brush Development, Margaret develops curriculum, teaches workshops, and provides coaching for both Montessori educators and healthcare professionals adopting the Montessori philosophy of care.

Margaret lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her family and daughter, a Montessori Elementary student.