Maria Montessori introduced her educational philosophy for children over 100 years ago. These approaches continue to be successful today and her legacy has influenced society’s understanding of child development and profoundly influenced early childhood education.
Nearly 80 years after Montessori introduced her educational philosophy and educational methods, Dr Cameron Camp, a Psychology professor, examined the Montessori Philosophy and Principles and discovered important connections to dementia care. Montessori’s philosophy makes a perfect mission statement for aged care.
‘To enable individuals to be as independent as possible, to have a meaningful place in their community, to have high self-esteem, and to have the chance to make choices and meaningful contributions to their community’.
Montessori’s principles have been modified for dementia and their application has been proven to result in successful outcomes when the environment is adapted to support memory loss and when roles and activities for people living with dementia are developed and supported.
Montessori is about learning for life and Montessori for dementia truly reflects the potential of a philosophy that changes peoples lives regardless of age or cognitive abilities.