Spring House Estates
in Gwynned Township, operated by Fort Washington-based Acts Retirement-Life Communities, is using modified Montessori techniques for children to help its residents with dementia live better, writes Stacey Burling for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Spring House Estates is one of just two continuing-care organizations in the world that became certified in Montessori Inspired Lifestyle programming in November, through the Center for Applied Research in Dementia.
The technique was originally developed over a century ago with the goal to help elderly people with dementia both develop new skills and reclaim old ones. This helps them focus on what they are still able to do for themselves and the community.
One of the activities involved gathering at a table to fill brightly colored bags with gifts for new residents. The participants had fun and appreciated the socializing aspect of it.
“It makes you use your brain a little bit,” said Marilyn Jacobs, “and you’re with nice people I like to be with.”
Even Bingo was changed, with the residents calling out letters themselves and helping their peers with difficulties, to the great joy of everybody.
Read more about Spring House Estates at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.
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