Dementia Care - A Montessori Approach That Focuses on the Individual

It is estimated that 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. 

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of degenerative brain conditions that are marked by gradually changing  memory, communication, and independence skills. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia but other forms of dementia include:

• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

• Vascular Dementia

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies

• Parkinson's Disease Dementia

• Huntington's Disease

• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

• Mixed Dementia

There are three stages associated with dementia:

1. Early - You might notice subtle changes like more forgetfulness

2. Middle - Your memory challenges are more significant and you may need reminders and help from others for most or all daily activities

3. Late - Your symptoms impact all aspects of your life and you need support 24/7

Each stage has its own strengths and challenges. 

Every person with dementia is unique and deserves a personalized approach that promotes their autonomy and choice, regardless of stage. 

The Montessori Approach to Dementia Care focuses on:

1. Person-focused interventions that respect individual needs

2. Dignity and respect

3. Promoting social skills 

4. Improving the home space to encourage activity and freedom of movement

5. Fostering independence

6. Offering hands-on activities that focus on success and prevent failure

7. Focus on strengths rather than disability

8. Address physical, cognitive, and emotions needs 

9. Use family and other care partners as guides and observers

At Madison Speech Therapy, we believe the Montessori Approach is the most respectful and beneficial approach for individuals living with dementia. 

Our therapists are Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professionals through the ICCDP.

Our care plans include:

• Evaluation of the person's environment to identify opportunities for engagement

• Thorough cognitive-communication assessment to identify the person's current stage of dementia which will reveal the most beneficial treatment

• Counseling and education for families and care partners

• Home-based interventions and training to increase independence and reduce care partner burn-out

We also offer care partner specific counseling and training that can be completed outside of the therapy session. This is a private pay service that empowers families and care partners to:

1. ​Provide the most helpful cues and supports 

2. Speak in a way that will be best understood by the loved one

3. Choose tasks that foster engagement and avoid "infantilization" or treating the person like a child

4. Ideas for home modification that improve the environment

If you or a loved one are experiencing challenges
​associated with dementia, we can help!