Person-Centered, Skilled Services Using a Montessori Approach for Persons with Dementia.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Dementia Care

Background:

• Person-centered care is mandated in healthcare, particularly for nursing home residents.
• Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) must provide skilled, person-centered services to elders with dementia.
• Montessori for Aging and Dementia guidelines offer a framework for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide clinicians with practical strategies for person-centered dementia care.
• To guide SLPs in assessment, goal writing, and intervention planning.
• To utilize the Montessori approach as a philosophical guide for dementia services.

Main Methods:

• Review of Montessori for Aging and Dementia guidelines.
• Application of Montessori principles to speech-language pathology practice.
• Development of practical strategies for clinicians.

Main Results:

• The Montessori approach provides a framework for skilled, person-centered dementia care.
• Strategies can be implemented for assessment, goal setting, and interventions.
• This approach aligns with current healthcare mandates for dementia services.

Conclusions:

• The Montessori approach offers a valuable philosophical guide for SLPs serving elders with dementia.
• Implementing these strategies can improve the quality and relevance of dementia care.
• This person-centered model supports positive overall health outcomes for individuals with dementia.