The Montessori approach to dementia and fragility care
- The Montessori Method is based on the values of respect, dignity and equality and focuses on providing people with meaningful activities that enable them to contribute to the social life of their families and communities.
- Prof. Cameron J. Camp, explains that the Montessori method does not treat older people as children, but as people, honoring their life experiences and providing them with choices and meaningful activities based on their abilities.
- The Montessori method views dementia as a disability rather than a disease and aims to create a more supportive environment for people with fragility and their families.
Montessori and Dementia: A Person-Centered Approach
The application of the Montessori method, adapted to the needs of people with dementia (especially in the advanced stages), by Prof. Cameron Camp, has developed, over the last 30 years, the person-centered approach to improve quality of life, independence, and reduce behavioral problems. A particular focus is placed on the importance of knowing the person, valuing their residual abilities, and creating an environment that supports engagement and autonomy.
Role of social prescription
Social prescribing, a practice that connects patients to non-medical resources and activities in the community, is explored through studies, toolkits, and national strategies. Many sources highlight the role of link workers in facilitating these connections. They emphasize the need to tailor programs to local contexts and carefully evaluate outcomes to ensure success.
Social Prescription with the Montessori Strategy
From the joint analysis of the principles of the Montessori method and the social prescription approach, it appears that these can be combined to improve the quality of life and well-being of people, especially those with cognitive disabilities or elderly, in a person-centered and community-centered care perspective.