WORKSHOP
This 3 day workshop is online and available alone or as part of the Level 6 Montessori Education for Dementia Certificate Programme. Please Register below. Or click the link for the full programme details.
About the 3 day Introductory Workshop
This workshop (€195) is perfect for those who want an introduction to the benefits and power of Montessori Education for Dementia. Designed for all to enjoy, this workshop facilitates an overall view of Montessori Education within Dementia and Alzheimer care settings.
Students have the option to either study on the semester-long programme (Montessori Education for Dementia Certificate Programme), or register for the standalone introductory workshop only. Anyone is welcome to register for the introductory workshop without committing to attending the semester long study. The College offers to group discounts to care communities that would like to send several staff members to how Montessori can provide an innovative person-centred approach to dementia care.
Please view the information below regarding the standalone Introductory workshop. The workshop will be run again in Spring 2024 (date TBC).
Workshop Information
Understand the real reason why elders become depressed, exit seek, and walk about — and learn the exact steps you can take to prevent these behaviors from happening (instead of simply trying to “manage” them)
Discover a powerful (and little-known) approach to dementia care that will totally change your perspective on aging and dementia
Learn the first thing you should do to create a sense of community between staff and residents (it’s not what you think)
Create an engaging life enrichment program (appropriate for people at a variety of cognitive levels) in a way that transforms the culture of a long-term care center and ultimately frees up staff time dramatically
Learn the process for changing a ho-hum activity program into a dynamic and engaging person-centered program that keeps people interested and has them coming back for more
Successfully reduce or eliminate the repetitive questioning behaviors that so often characterize those living with cognitive impairment
Start using a simple tool for helping people with cognitive impairment participate in meaningful conversations, leading to an improved situation for both the care partner and the person with dementia
Identify the mistakes almost everyone unknowingly makes in wayfinding and signage, leading to confusion and discord — and find out how to correct them
Develop the skills to effectively communicate with people with dementia, so they easily understand what you are trying to convey
Discover how to help people with dementia learn new or previously known information. Yes, people with cognitive impairment can learn and retain new information! We’ll show you how, step by step.
…and much more
About Jennifer Brush
Jennifer Brush is an Association Montessori Internacionale (AMI) certified trainer and this graduates of this programme will also be able to apply for the AMI Diploma in Montessori for Ageing and Dementia leading to Certified Practitioner status. More details can be found on the AMI website.
Workshop fees = € 195
(St. Nicholas Montessori students can avail of a discounted price of €95.)
Entry for Montessori Education for Dementia Workshop Only or full course can be done via the Direct Application form on our website below.
Brush Development
JENNIFER BRUSH
Jennifer Brush, MA, CCC/SLP is an award-winning Dementia Educator, author and consultant. Passionate about enriching the lives of people with dementia, Jennifer is on a mission to put the focus of care on the person’s preferences, interests and abilities.
This is the core text for this course.
Filled with helpful advice, forms, and ready-to-use activities, this thorough guide is essential in implementing the Montessori philosophy with elders or people living with dementia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Montessori?
We have combined Dr. Montessori’s philosophy of learning and living with what we know about aging and dementia care best practices. It is not a technique, task or intervention. It’s a way of living one’s life to the fullest extent possible. The Montessori Philosophy focuses on respecting individuals, observing in order to learn about the person, encourage independence in a specially prepared environment, providing meaningful work, and acknowledging that learning and engagement can occur anywhere.
What is this course about?
If you are looking for ways to transform your elder care community to an environment of joy and purpose, you’ve come to the right place!
During this workshop you will learn about Montessori for Aging and Dementia, an innovative approach to care which enables individuals to care for themselves, others, and their community — bringing purpose and meaning to elders’ lives, and increasing staff satisfaction significantly.
This workshop also represents the first part of the combined QQI Level 6 Certificate in Montessori for Ageing and Dementia* and the AMI Diploman leading to Certified Montessori and Dementia Practitioner status.
How will this program benefit the elders living in my care community?
Implementation of the approaches you learn in this workshop results in actively engaged older adults with meaningful roles that empower them to contribute to the community. This enhances their independence and enriches their lives.
Why this workshop?
Colleagues and attendees have used the workshop and certification course information to:
- Reduce psychotropic medications in their communities
- Increase levels of activity engagement in persons living with dementia
- Create a higher-quality of life for the individuals in their communities
- Improve family and staff satisfaction
- Become a mentor for Montessori implementation in their care setting
What do I receive upon completing the course?
When you take the in-person workshop you earn two certificates: a Certificate of Completion from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) as well as one from SNMCI.
In summation, learners receive:
- Certificate of Attendance for Workshop from the Association Montessori Internationale and SNMCI
- Handouts you can use to identify the needs and desires and roles of your patients
- Assessment tools
- A guide of available dementia programs that you can use to create a better environment in your care community
- Activities you can implement or teach your staff to implement
- Step by step directions to implement Spaced Retrieval
- Guidelines for setting up a Montessori program of your own
- Tools that will improve engagement, activities, and communication skills for those in your community
- Ways to modify the physical environment to support people with dementia
- Solutions to the key issues such as falls, staff satisfaction and reduction of psychotropic medication
Are there group discounts?
Yes. We offer a discount to groups more than 10 individuals. Please contact Admissions at info@smsi.ie to discuss in more detail.
Why St Nicholas Montessori College?
We have been preparing Ireland’s leading Montessori teachers and early years practitioners since 1970. We are accredited by QQI and we are a founder member of the Irish Montessori Education Board (IMEB) and of the Higher Education College Association (HECA).
Jennifer Brush is the leading expert in Montessori Ageing and Dementia research and practice. We have worked closely with Jennifer Brush in the creation of both the workshop and the course.