Learn how to create an environment of joy and purpose, where older adults can flourish.
Qualification
Level 6 SNMCI Certificate
(Leading to AMI Certified Practitioner)
Duration
Mode of Study
12 weeks placement (practice visits for 1-2 hours a week with two older adults)
Lectures
Mondays and Tuesday 18:30 to 19:30 (Irish time)
Workshops
Friday and Saturday 8:30 to 16:30
*In-person workshop and case studies may be adjusted due to COVID.
Assessments
Assessments + Homework as required
Two case studies with two older adults by visiting for a portion of a day once a week for 12 weeks*.
*In-person workshop and case studies may be adjusted due to COVID.
A Typical Week in the MED Programme
Programme Timetable
Location
LIVE and self-paced online learning from your home or office
Fees
Certificate & Diploma €1,790
(includes workshop)
Tax rebate (20%) eligible
Programme Information
During this programme you will:
- Discover a powerful approach to dementia care that will totally change your perspective on ageing and dementia
- Learn the first thing you should do to create a sense of community between staff and residents
- See how an engaging life enrichment programme transforms the culture of a long-term care centre and ultimately frees up staff time dramatically
- Learn the process for changing a ho-hum activity program into a dynamic and engaging person-centred programme that keeps people interested and has them coming back for more
- Be able to implement a simple tool for helping people with cognitive impairment participate in meaningful conversations
- 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
This is a blended learning programme. Participants study via online learning by participating in LIVE online lectures for one hour twice a week and attend 3 weekend workshops held on a Friday and Saturday. Participants will also need to engage in a placement module in a relevant health care setting – this can include a home care setting. Placement involves practice interactions with two older adults for 1-2 hours per week for 12 weeks, beginning in the second half of the semester. Placement arrangements may change as a result of COVID-19.
This programme begins with a face to face workshop which will be delivered over 2 days in October 2020. Due to COVID, we are offering this first workshop live online. It is our intention to offer the other workshops in person in Dun Laoghaire in January and February 2021 if possible. Students interested in an introduction to Montessori Education for Dementia may enroll in the first workshop only. Workshops will take place in St. Nicholas Montessori College in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
Tea and coffee and lunch will be provided.
Certificate
This Certificate in Montessori Education for Dementia has been validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland as a Special Purpose award at Level 6. It is equivalent to 30 credits within the European Credit Transfer System, which amounts to 6 months of study.
Jennifer Brush is an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) certified trainer and graduates of this programme will also be able to apply for the AMI Practitioner Certification in Montessori for Dementia. Application details will be provided during the course.
Certificate Overview
The programme consists of 4 modules as follows:
MD1: Montessori Education across a Lifespan (5 ECTS)
The overall aim of the module is to provide learners with a foundation in the key elements of Montessori philosophy and the opportunity to examine the application of Montessori theory to all ages. The module will look at the life and work of Dr Maria Montessori, examining the goals of Montessori education across what she described as ‘planes of human development’. The module will prepare the ground for applying Montessori philosophy to elderly care settings.
MD2: Attention, Learning and Memory (5 ECTS)
Cognitive Psychology is fundamental to any program which seeks to understand cognitive function, as this programme clearly does. This module provides learners with a foundation level understanding of the cognitive processes involved in learning and memory, the brain areas that are implicated in these functions and insight into cognitive impairments which result from damage to these brain areas. As such, this module is crucial to beginning to understand the nature of cognitive impairments in people suffering from dementia and to beginning to understand how screening and implementing strategies, seek to mitigate these impairments.
MD3: Ageing and Dementia (5 ECTS)
This module is a core module in the award and provides learners with the background knowledge and understanding of dementia that is required in order to begin working with elders suffering with dementia. The module encourages learners to examine their own assumptions and beliefs about ageing and dementia as a basis for engaging in a person-centred care and education approach. Building on the cognitive screening in MD2 learners will develop engagement plans as an approach to social and emotional engagement with individuals with dementia, in a prepared environment.
MD4: Applied Montessori: Ageing and Dementia (15 ECTS)
This module represents the synthesis of the previous three more theoretical modules, providing learners with the opportunity to build on their knowledge and understanding, by developing competencies and skills in the application of Montessori philosophy to ageing and dementia settings. This module will also allow the learner to develop communication skills and reflective abilities consistent with best practice in dementia care.
Workshop fees = € 295
(St. Nicholas Montessori students can avail of a discounted price of €195.)
Full programme fees = €1,790
(SMSI Students and Parents and group discounts = €1,590)
(this fee includes all workshops including the introductory workshop)
Entry for Stage 3 on the B.A. Montessori Education can be done via RPL within the Application Form.
Please be sure to submit evidence of L6+ Early Years or Montessori certificates within your application.
For further information contact info@smsi.ie Please state the name and location of the course you are seeking information on in the subject of the email.
International Applications
Applications from interntational learners are very welcome. Please register your interest and we will be in touch with next steps.
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 book is the core text for the Level 6 Special Purpose Award, Montessori Education for Dementia.
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
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 Ageing 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.
Is attendance at class mandatory?
Yes, live online classes are held twice weekly and attendance and participation in class is expected. Attendance at three in person weekend workshops is also required in order to meet course requirements.
Are there group discounts?
Yes. We offer a discount to groups more than 10 individuals.
Can I do the workshop only?
Yes. We have the October workshop available as a standalone workshop or as part of the Level 6 certificate. Please see the Workshop Information page for more information.