Families often wonder how they can support older people in their lives. They look for methods to make these individuals more independent while ensuring they have help. One way they may do so will surprise most individuals. It involves using the Montessori method, which many schools use with young children today.
Montessori methods work well with elderly individuals, especially those with dementia or other cognitive disorders. When long-term care communities use these methods, they find them beneficial. Residents become more engaged in daily leisure events, and staff satisfaction improves. Why are these methods so effective with seniors today? How do seniors who choose to move into independent living or another senior community benefit when Montessori methods are used?
Engagement
A senior living community’s residents benefit from a beautiful and welcoming environment. They need a say in this environment to be happy with their surroundings. One way a facility may create this environment is by allowing residents to choose or donate artwork they make to be displayed for everyone to enjoy. This artwork can be changed out regularly to keep residents engaged and involved.
Another way the community can ensure the environment is welcoming to residents is to allow them to interact with displays. For example, a community may put out a suitcase full of items and encourage residents to explore and discuss what they see.
Communities may also choose to bring nature indoors. Placing plants around common areas where residents gather and encouraging them to care for them will give them a sense of purpose and show them that they still have value, which is very important to seniors today.
Activity
Seniors need to remain active for as long as possible. One way to encourage them to move around is to provide accessible snacks and beverages. It is also beneficial to leave items lying around that the seniors can use whenever they choose. This may be cleaning supplies, a watering can for the plants, or some laundry that needs to be folded. When they complete these activities, they feel like they are contributing to the community meaningfully. In addition, communities must be committed to ensuring that the outdoors is accessible to all residents so they can enjoy nature while getting some much-needed physical exercise.
Socialization
Senior living communities should have hands-on materials that residents can use anytime. When choosing these materials, the community must consider the residents’ hobbies and interests. Ensure all residents, even those with mobility issues, can reach them and invite them to use the materials as often as possible.
Cleanliness
Senior living communities must be organized, orderly, and clean. Residents need to be able to move around freely, even when carrying things. Tables and chairs should be placed for optimal traffic flow. The senior surroundings need to be uncluttered and free from things that could cause them to trip and fall or have another type of accident. All materials in the resident’s areas need to be designed to support their social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs.
Stimulation
Communities need cues to help residents with memory impairment. High-contrast signs and landmarks are helpful to those struggling with cognitive disorders as they provide wayfinding cues. Every resident should have their name on their door in large print and a photo so they can quickly know which room is theirs. All staff members and volunteers need to wear name badges that are easy to read and high in contrast. When family and friends visit, ask that they wear these name tags as well.
Simple changes in a community help support elderly adults. It doesn’t take much effort to make these changes, so families should encourage every community to do so today. Montessori methods benefit community seniors in countless ways, just as they do children, so this is an option that should be considered.